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 (Medical Service Corps) Stephen B. Richardson, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 45 Company, 4th Student Battalion, The Student Brigade, United States Army Infantry School, on 11 May 1964 near Fort Benning, Georgia. As an airborne student, Lieutenant Richardson was flying to a drop zone to perform his first of five qualifying parachute jumps when the aircraft developed engine trouble, crashed, and burned. After the initial impact, he succeeded in escaping from the burning wreckage. Then, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he re-entered the flaming aircraft to rescue students still trapped in the wreckage and continued his courageous efforts until the flames became too intense to continue the search. Lieutenant Richardson’s unselfish actions and heroic conduct in this emergency are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.