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 Specialist Fourth Class [then Private First Class] Charles S. Sanders, III, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 170th Transportation Battalion (Aircraft Maintenance), 11th Air Assault Division, Fort Benning, Georgia, on 24 June 1964, near Ridgeway, South Carolina. When Specialist Sanders saw an Army aircraft crash during a night field exercise, he immediately proceeded to the scene of the accident to participate in rescue effort. Upon arrival at the crash site, he displayed complete disregard for his own safety, ignored the intense heat from the fuel fed blaze, and unhesitatingly began to evacuate the injured personnel from the burning aircraft. He evacuated one man from the wreckage, used his own body to protect another man threatened by a flash explosion, and led to safety a third man temporarily blinded by the flash. Then, during an attempt to extricate an injured man who was pinned under an engine, Specialist Sanders remained at his side and comforted him until the engine was raised and the victim were removed. Throughout the hazardous operations, he continued his courageous efforts until all of the casualties were removed from the blazing wreckage and the fire was under control. Specialist Sanders’ heroic conduct, determination, and deep concern for his fellow man are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. [This award supersedes the award of the Army Commendation Medal to Specialist Sanders for heroism on 24 June 1964 as announced in General Orders Number 73, Headquarters of 11th Assault Division, Fort Benning, Georgia, dated 21 July 1964.]