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 Sergeant Antonio Ocasio-Gonzales, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 31 October 1962 at Liberty Army Airfield while serving as a member of the United States Army Garrison, Fort Stewart, Georgia. When an Army helicopter, with a crew of three aboard, crashed in a wooded area and burst into flames, Sergeant Ocasio immediately led a crash and firefighting party to the scene of the accident. After dismounting from the crash truck and guiding it through the wooded area to a distance of 20 yards from the blaze, he noticed a movement within the burning wreckage. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, and despite the danger of an imminent gasoline explosion, he unhesitatingly dashed into the inferno, pulled the injured pilot from the flames, and placed him in a safe area. He then repeated his act of bravery by reentering the flaming wreckage to rescue the other crew members, and, with perseverance and fortitude continued his courageous efforts until repelled by the intensity of the flames. With untiring effort and dedicated devotion to duty, he remained at the crash site, fighting the fire and clearing away the debris. Sergeant Ocasio’s heroic actions in this emergency are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.