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 Private First Class Robert J. McDonnell (ASN: RA-14735972), 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 Parachute Team, Fort Bragg 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 Army 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 the Civil Air Patrol Air Show. After attaining an altitude of approximately 500 feet, the plane leveled off, lost altitude rapidly, crashed onto the runway, and instantly burst into flames. Upon impact of the plane Private McDonnell was pinned under a section of the wing within the badly damaged and burning aircraft. Despite the proximity of the open flames, the danger of explosion of the gasoline saturated air, and despite his serious burns and fractures, Private McDonnell refused aid until the other persons in the aircraft were rescued. By his self-sacrifice and courageous action he was materially responsible for the saving of precious life-saving time and enabled the rescuers to extirpate the other more easily accessible persons. Private McDonnell’s outstanding bravery and utter disregard for his own safety, despite his injuries and possible death, reflects great credit on himself and the military service.