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 Master Sergeant Richard F. Hand, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the United States Army Recruiting Main Station, Raleigh, North Carolina, on 24 September 1961 at Wilmington, North Carolina. An Air Force C-123 aircraft carrying five civilian newsmen and seven members of the United States Parachute Team took off from the New Hanover County Airport where the Army team members were scheduled to participate in parachute jump demonstrations in connection with Civil Air Patrol Air Show. After attaining an altitude of approximately 500 feet the plane leveled off, rapidly lost altitude, crashed on the runway about 2,000 feet from the main spectator area and instantly burst into flames. Sergeant Hand arrived at the crash site before the emergency crews and, in company with an officer, attempted to enter the plane. Finding the rear troop doors crushed and blocked by the flames, he entered the plane through a hole in the fuselage and, despite the intensity of the fire, assisted in evacuating several of the injured victims to safety. With full knowledge that the gasoline-saturated air might explode at any time, he made repeated entries and rescued personnel. He remained at the site and aided further in clearing away the wreckage and debris. Throughout the entire period he worked unceasingly, continuously placing safety of the injured men above his own. The outstanding bravery displayed by Sergeant Hand in this sudden emergency is in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.