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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Gary W. Vance, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. On the evening of 1 June 1966, First Lieutenant Vance, was receiving training in night tactical landings when he observed an 0-1 aircraft crash and begin burning. At the time of the accident, Lieutenant Vance was having his aircraft repaired by three civilian workers. He, together with other men, immediately boarded the maintenance vehicle and drove to the scene of the accident. Upon arrival, and with complete disregard for his own safety, and ignoring the intense heat and flames, he immediately began attempts to extricate the passenger from the fire burning wreckage. He persisted in his efforts, together with assistance from the other personal, until the passenger was freed from the burning aircraft. After assisting in placing the injured passenger on a stretcher, despite the fact that he had received cuts and burns from his endeavors, Lieutenant Vance went back to the wreckage which was still burning even though chemicals had been sprayed upon it by firemen to assist in the rescue of the pilot’s body. The pilot was killed by the impact of the crash. Lieutenant Vance’s heroic conduct, determination, and deep concern for the welfare of others are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.