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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alfred E. Olah, 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 UH-1C helicopter had lost its tail rotor in-flight and subsequently crashed on the airfield in a mass of flames and twisted metal. Lieutenant Olah seeing the tragedy, raced to the burning wreckage and unhesitatingly entered the cockpit in an effort to free the injured co-pilot. His effort seemed futile, as foam being sprayed on the fire was blinding him and covering the victim. Realizing the flames were only inches from the fuel cells and that he was virtually unprotected from the heat, Lieutenant Olah continued to try to free the co-pilot and keep him from drowning. After carrying the injured man to safety, Lieutenant Olah dauntlessly returned to the smoldering wreckage to rescue still another man. Lieutenant Olah returned to the aircraft three times to assist in removing the injured crew. These valorous actions performed by Lieutenant Olah represent heroism and devotion to duty in its truest form. Lieutenant Olah’s complete disregard for his own safety is evidence of his sincere devotion to his fellow soldiers and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.