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 Sergeant First Class Larry S. Bussler, United States Air Force, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the Maintenance Squadron, 316th Maintenance and Supply Group, Greenville Air Force Base, Greenville, South Carolina, on 7 February 1948, near Saluda, North Carolina, when a C-47 aircraft on which he was assigned as crew chief, crashed into a mountain and caught fire. Sergeant Bussler escaped through the cockpit escape hatch and after he was clear of the airplane he heard cries for help and returned to find the copilot hopelessly trapped in the escape hatch by a falling tree. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Bussler climbed on the airplane, which was then burning fiercely and in imminent danger of exploding, released the copilot, and carried him to safety. By his courageous action in saving the life of his comrade at the risk of his life, Sergeant Bussler brought great credit to himself and the United States Air Force.