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 Private James B. Kirk (ASN: RA-53529598), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company F, 6th Battalion, Student Brigade, United States Army Southeastern Signal School, Fort Gordon, Georgia. At 1000 hours, 2 June 1968, Private Kirk, with complete disregard to personal danger and at the voluntary risk of his own life, distinguished himself by heroically entering a burning aircraft to extract the injured occupants. A Piper Comanche, carrying a pilot and four passengers, plummeted off the end of the runway at Coulborn Airport, Lancaster, South Carolina, crashed into a small building (the control tower) and burst into flames. As other bystanders fled the scene, fearful of an explosion from the burning gasoline, Private Kirk rushed to the airport and climbed upon the right wing to rescue the passengers. Two women, their clothes and hair on fire, were attempting to escape. Private Clerk assisted them from the aircraft, extinguished the flames and returned to the cabin door of the plane. The pilot was slumped over the controls and left front seat, with gasoline gushing into the cabin from a ruptured fuel tank. Risking his life, Private Kirk hauled a passenger from the right front seat onto the wing and helped him to the ground. As Private Kirk turned again to the aircraft, the plane exploded and the cabin was engulfed in flames. The prompt, heroic action of Private Kirk, with other disregard for his own personal safety, saved the lives of three persons. This heroism is truly worthy of emulation, reflects great credit upon himself in the United States Army, and is in keeping the finest traditions of the military service.