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 Warrant Officer Candidate [Specialist Fifth Class] William R. Vaughn (ASN: RA-15834323), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at approximately 1900 hours, 18 September 1968. While in the picnic grounds adjacent to the main heliport at Fort Wolters, Texas, Warrant Officer Candidate Vaughn observed a helicopter in an uncontrolled over. The helicopter then crashed and was engulfed in flames. Warrant Officer Candidate Vaughn, thinking only of the safety of the pilot and completely disregarding his own safety and life, ran through the flames to the downed aircraft in order to free the trapped pilot. Warrant Officer Candidate Vaughn tore away the remains of the aircraft bubble, unbuckled the pilot’s seat belt, and pulled him from the wreckage to safety. Warrant Officer Candidate Vaughn’s actions in thinking only of the pilot saved a fellow soldier from certain serious injury and possible death. Warrant officer Candidate Vaughn’s heroic action is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, the military service, and the United States Army.