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 Chief Warrant Officer Michael L. Iler, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 27 September 1967 in the vicinity of Port Isabel, Texas. Chief Warrant Officer Iler, a member of TASK FORCE BRAVO, volunteered to pilot a UH-1D helicopter on an air sea rescue mission to save the lives of two fishermen whose boat had been sunk. This act was even more courageous inasmuch as he knew that the aircraft he was to fly was not equipped for over-water flight and that the mission would take place during the hours of darkness, under extremely adverse weather conditions, and in an area with which he was completely unfamiliar. He also knew that conditions were such that a United States Coast Guard Cutter was unable to rescue the two men. When the helicopter arrived at the rescue scene, communication between the helicopter and the cutter could not be established. The two fishermen, who had managed to reach the jetty, had wedged themselves between large rocks to prevent from being washed out to sea by the high waves and strong winds. Chief Warrant Officer Iler, exhibiting masterful control of his aircraft, and with complete disregard for his own safety, expertly guided the helicopter, in the 30-second interval between waves, precariously close to the jetty permitting his copilot and crew chief to pull the two fishermen aboard the helicopter. Chief Warrant Officer Iler’s heroic conduct in the face of overwhelming odds is it in keeping with the finest traditions of Army Aviation and reflects the highest credit upon himself, Task Force Bravo, in the United States Army.