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 First Lieutenant (Armor) John L. Shen, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 8 May 1962, at Fort Polk, Louisiana. When an L-19 military aircraft crashed, and within seconds began to burn, Lieutenant Shen rushed to the area to assist the occupants. He succeeded in removing one of the individuals from the burning aircraft and placed him a safe distance away. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, and the danger of a gasoline explosion, he made a valiant attempt but was unable to extricate the trapped pilot from the flaming wreckage. Lieutenant Shen’s heroic action is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects distinct credit on himself, the United States Army, and the military establishment. (This award supersedes the award of the Army Commendation Medal to Lieutenant Shen for heroism on 8 May 1962 at Fort Polk, Louisiana, as announced in General Orders Number 65, Headquarters Fourth United States Army, dated 19 June 1963.)