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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Douglas C. Runnels (ASN: 0-5310672), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 24 September 1961, at Wilmington, North Carolina. An Air Force C-123 aircraft carrying five civilian news men 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 make a freefall parachute jump demonstration in connection with the 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. Lieutenant Runnels, accompanied by an enlisted man, arrived at the crash site before the emergency crews and 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 heavy gasoline-saturated air might explode at any time, he made repeated entries and rescued personnel. Throughout the entire period, he issued orders calmly and precisely, and continuously placed the safety of the injured men above his own. He remained at the site and aided further in cleaning away the wreckage and debris. The outstanding bravery displayed by Lieutenant Runnels in this sudden emergency is in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflects the utmost credit on himself and the military service.