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 Sergeant Kjell Solberg, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 14 January 1969. While conducting ground to air traffic control on Tactical Landing Zone 35 near Prosperity, Florida, Sergeant Solberg observed a helicopter lose engine power, crash and start burning. Trapped in the helicopter were the navigator and the pilot. They were both stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where they were undergoing flight training. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Solberg rushed to the helicopter and entered the burning craft by bending the fiberglass frame away. While in danger of burning flames, he released the navigator from his safety release strap and with the help of his assistant, pulled the seriously injured navigator out of the helicopter through a broken window just as the passenger compartment burst into flame. He then, with the help of his assistant, carried the injured man to safety and immediately administered first aid and later accompanied the injured man to the hospital while continuing to calm the man down. Quick reaction and teamwork on the part of Sergeant Solberg and his assistant saved the 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 Sergeant Solberg, the United States Army Aviation School, and the United States Army.