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 Major (Infantry) Ronald J. Ayotte (ASN: 0-73122), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in the Soviet Zone of Germany on 15 November 1966, while serving as a member of the United States Military Liaison Mission to the Commander in Chief, Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Ayotte decided to drive the sedan which he commanded past hostile armed Soviet and East German security posts in order to reach the site of a crashed Pan American Airways aircraft in order to aid survivors, establish the cause of the crash, and protect United States interests. His outstanding bravery, aggressive leadership, and ingenious skill in demonstrating United States determination to maintain its rights in the Soviet Zone of Germany contributed in preventing Escalation of an international incident. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Major Ayotte reflects great credit upon himself, the United States Military Mission, and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.