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 Eddie L. Nichols (ASN: RA-18715695), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 283rd Aviation Company, Fort Carson, Colorado, at Fort Huachuca, Arizona on 26 April 1967. Specialist Nichols was performing duties as crew chief of aircraft 66-952 while on temporary duty to Fort Huachuca, Arizona in support of Operation CLOUD GAP. He displayed the highest order of heroism in rescuing a passenger from the burning wreckage of a UH-1D helicopter 66-952, which had crashed in attempting a pinnacle landing. Specialist Nichols was thrown clear of the helicopter when it crashed and sustained only minor injuries from this action, yet, when he heard cries for help emitting from the burning helicopter, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Specialist Nichols reentered the flaming helicopter and rescued the severely burned but still living passenger. Specialist Nichols performed an extraordinary feat of heroism in entering the extremely intense heat and danger of the burning helicopter. He unhesitatingly risked his own life and sacrificed his own well-being to save the life of another. As a result of his reentering the blazing helicopter Specialist Nichols received serious burn injuries to his face, arms and hands and was evacuated to Brooke Army Hospital. The courage and devotion, and complete district guard for his personal safety displayed by Specialist Nichols brings credit to himself in the United States Army.