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 Sergeant Richard P. Willis (ASN: RA-146833698), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in voluntarily risking his own life in their attempt to save the lives of others on 11 April 1967 at Pelham Range, Fort McClellan, Alabama. Sergeant Willis upon discovering that a helicopter had crashed during a train exercise, called for help and enter the craft with three others. Although the rear of the craft was engulfed in flames, he helped remove the crew and initiated emergency first aid a short distance from the wreckage. Sergeant Willis reflected great credit upon himself, the 69th Chemical Company ( Smoke Generator), and the United States Army.