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 Alan H. Cole, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 41st Aviation Company, 41st Infantry Division ( Part), at McNary Field, Salem, Oregon, on 25 October 1960. A civilian aircraft which had experienced difficulty in gaining speed and altitude following takeoff fell into a spin, crashed and exploded in flames. Upon observing the accident, Sergeant Cole, in company with another soldier, ran immediately to the scene. Without hesitation or concern for his own personal safety, he entered the blazing aircraft and assisted in removing one of the passengers. In the face of the intense heat generated by flaming gasoline, and despite the fact that an explosion might occur at any moment, he reentered the aircraft and aided in bringing another of the occupants out of the burning wreckage. When the force of the flames prevented further rescue attempts, Sergeant Cole remained at the scene until the arrival of local fire department officials. Sergeant Cole’s unselfish heroism in this emergency is worthy of emulation, and reflects distinct credit upon himself and the military service.