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 Dennis A. Rhoney, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia on 24 March 1969. At approximately 1500 hours, Specialist Rhoney observed a helicopter crash on the runway. Upon ground impact the fuel cells ruptured and fuel was spilled over the aircraft and crash area. The student pilot was thrown from the wreckage but his clothing was burning. Specialist Rhoney and another soldier rushed to the wreckage and used a small fire extinguisher to extinguish the student pilot’s clothing. They then removed the student pilot from the accident site. Again they returned to the burning aircraft in an attempt to rescue the instructor pilot. This attempt was in vain because of the intense heat. Specialist Rhoney reacted with total disregard for his own personal safety, ignoring the fact that a major explosion was very possible. His quick thinking and decisive action was instrumental in preventing the student pilot from burning to death on the crash scene. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to this country, Specialist Rhoney has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.