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 Lieutenant Colonel (Ordnance Department), [then Major] Arthur G. Dezendorf, United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on 13 December 1943, in England. Seeing a heavy bomber about to crash nearby on its return from a mission, Lieutenant Colonel Dezendorf immediately assembled a group of men and, instructing wreckers and ambulances to follow, sped to the scene. Finding that gasoline soaked the area and that one engine was burning, he quickly posted guards to hold the people from the danger of serious explosion and, while operating extinguishers himself to fight the fire, directed the removal of the crew members from the wreckage. Through his calm courage and leadership in the situation fraught with danger, Colonel Dezendorf contributed greatly to the success of the rescue operation.