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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) William A. Matheny (ASN: 0-17460), United States Army Air Corps, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed when an LB6 airplane crashed and burned near Managua, Nicaragua on 30 August 1929. The airplane piloted by Lieutenant Dwight Canfield and Lieutenant Matheny, one of four being ferried to the Canal Zone, crashed, due to leaking gasoline and fire in one of the motors. Both officers were thrown free of the airplane at the time of the crash and Lieutenant Matheny after running a few steps looked back and saw Lieutenant Canfield on the ground near the burning plane and unable to move. At great personal risk, knowing that both of them were drenched with gasoline, he ran back and assisted Lieutenant Canfield to his feet, the clothing of both catching fire. He then attempted to extinguish the flames from the clothing of Lieutenant Canfield by rolling him in the wet grass, after which he extinguished the flames from his own clothing. Lieutenant Matheny received painful and severe burns and Lieutenant Canfield died later from burns received. The heroism displayed by Lieutenant Matheny reflects great credit on himself and the military service.