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 William Barnes (ASN: RA-53347692), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company D, 188th Infantry Battalion, 11th Air Assault Division, Fort Benning, Georgia, on 9 February 1965 in the vicinity of Apparri Heliport, Fort Benning. Specialist Barnes was a passenger on board the helicopter when it failed to gain altitude after takeoff, struck a tree, traveled approximately three hundred and fifty yards, and began to burn as it came to rest on its left side. As he was in the act of leaving the burning aircraft, he noticed that the pilot was slumped over in his seat and appeared to be unconscious. Although his own clothing was saturated with fuel, Specialist Barnes completely ignored his own safety, turned his attention toward the pilot, and, with the assistance of the crew chief, succeeded in pulling the pilot from the seat and removing him from the helicopter. Despite the danger of an explosion, he worked diligently to assure that the safety of the pilot before leaving the helicopter himself. Specialist Barnes’ deep concern for the welfare of others and his heroic conduct in this hazardous situation are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.