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 Major (Infantry) John L. Boles, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 27 July 1968, at Lawson Army Airfield, Fort Benning, Georgia. A UN-1C helicopter had lost his tail rotor in-flight and subsequently crashed on the airfield in a mass of flames and twisted metal. Major Boles, seeing the tragedy, raced to the burning wreckage and unhesitatingly entered the cargo compartment in an effort to free an injured passenger. His efforts seemed futile, as foam being sprayed on the fire was blinding him and overcoming the victims. Realizing that the flames were only inches from the fuel cells and with complete disregard for his own safety, Major Boles directed the firemen away from the cargo compartment, leaving himself virtually unprotected from the heat. Freeing the injured man only seconds before the flames again engulfed the aircraft, Major Boles carried him to safety and dauntlessly returned to the smoldering wreckage to rescue still a second man. Major Boles returned to the aircraft three times to assist in removing the injured crew. These valorous actions performed by Major Boles represent heroism and devotion to duty in its truest form. Major Boles’ complete disregard for his own safety is evidence of his sincere dedication to his fellow soldiers and reflects great credit upon himself in the United States Army.