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 Specialist Fourth Class Abraham Copeland, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 14 January 1969. While assisting his Sergeant in conducting ground air traffic control on Tactical Landing Zone 35 near Prosperity, Florida, Specialist Copeland arrived at the scene of the helicopter crash. Trapped in the helicopter were the pilot and navigator who were both stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where they were undergoing flight training. Specialist Copeland ran to the burning helicopter and tried to extinguish the growing fire. Realizing that he would be unable to control the blazing fire and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Copeland entered the blazing craft and carried the pilot to safety. He then returned to the burning helicopter and helped the sergeant remove the navigator just as the passenger compartment burst into flame. Specialist Copeland, with the help of the Sergeant, carried the injured navigator to safety and quickly administered first aid to him. Later he returned to the burning helicopter and kept the growing fire from spreading to the nearby woods where it would have caused serious damage. Quick reaction and teamwork on the part of Specialist Copeland and the sergeant saved the pilot and navigator from serious injury and possible death. This act of heroism, above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrated unusual courage and reflects great credit upon Specialist Copeland, the United States Army Aviation School, and the United States Army.