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 Donald M. Avery, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas on 13 June 1969. Sergeant Avery was walking through a building in the motor pool of 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry, when he heard a soldier shout for help. Sergeant Avery knew this man was in the area trying to fix a light outlet. Sergeant Avery ran to where the voice had come from and found the man lying on some rafter boards near the ceiling, approximately 18 feet from the concrete flooring. In his hand were wire pliers affixed to the electric wiring. His body was extended and rigid. Sensing that the soldier was being electrocuted, Sergeant Avery yelled for another man, working nearby, to come and help. Sergeant Avery scaled the wall and made his way to the injured man. By the time he got there the man had turned blue. Sergeant Avery kicked the pliers out his hand. The injured man then slumped over the narrow board he was lying on and appeared to be dead. Sergeant Avery crawled on top of him and steadied him to keep him from falling to the concrete floor below. In this difficult position, Sergeant Avery started working with his back, pushing in and out, and leaned over and applied mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, until the injured man started breathing again and color started returning. He then continued to steady the soldier until help arrived. By this courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Sergeant Avery has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.