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 Fifth Class Vernon D. Hartman, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Technical Battalion (Aircraft Maintenance Depot) (Seaborne), Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas, on 8 October 1965, in the vicinity of Yorktown, Texas. As Crew Chief, Specialist Hartman was one of four persons aboard a CH-21 Shawnee Helicopter when it crashed, ruptured its fuel tank, and burst in flames. Assured that both of the injured pilots as were able to get out of the burning aircraft by themselves, Specialist Hartman ignored his own multiple wounds, the danger of a gasoline explosion, and the opportunity to escape by the forward exit in a brave effort to locate a fellow crewman. With complete disregard for his own safety, he crawled over torn metal and equipment, reached the aft end of the blazing cargo compartment, and discovered the soldier, unconscious and with his clothing burning from spattered gasoline. He then dragged the unconscious crew man from the burning helicopter and, while smothering the flames on the victim with his own body, received burns on his own hands and wrists. Through his indomitable courage and profound concern for others, he saved the life of his fellow soldier. Specialist Heartland’s heroic conduct in this hazardous situation is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.