The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Staff Sergeant John R. Gorman, United States Marine Corps, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters, Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, on 4 May 1961. When an Army HU-1A Helicopter crashed and burst into flames in the vicinity of Camp Smedley D. Butler, Sergeant Gorman together with two other members of the United States Marine Corps, proceeded immediately to the scene and commenced rescue operations. Without regard for his own personal safety, and in the face of intense heat and flames, he persisted in his efforts until the successful rescue of Army and Marine personnel trapped in the burning aircraft was accomplished. Handicapped by a lack of both rescue equipment and experience and working strenuously under the constant threat of an explosion of the fuel tank, his courageous action and outstanding presence of mind undoubtedly saved the lives of the Army pilot and the crew member of the crashed helicopter. Sergeant Gorman’s bold and heroic actions in this emergency are worthy of emulation, and reflect the utmost credit on himself and the military service.