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 First Class Lathon H. Montgomery, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 27 March 1963, at Long Beach Municipal Airport, California. Sergeant Montgomery was performing aircraft maintenance duties at the Army Reserve facility at the Long Beach Municipal Airport when he witnessed the crash of a civilian aircraft. He rushed to the downed aircraft to render assistance and saw that the pilot’s compartment was engulfed in flames. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and the danger of a gasoline explosion, he attempted to unlatch the jammed door of the blazing compartment to extricate the trapped pilot, but was forced back by flames and a small explosion. When another soldier arrived on the scene with a fire extinguisher, Sergeant Montgomery quickly resumed his courageous efforts and succeeded in opening the door. He then unhesitatingly entered the hot and smoke-filled compartment and assisted in carrying the pilot safely away from the burning aircraft moments before the fuel tank exploded. Sergeant Montgomery’s prompt and heroic action in this emergency is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.