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 Private First Class Robert G. Baker, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Fort Benning, Georgia on 3 November 1969. On that date, while performing as a student for Pathfinder Class 4-70, Private Baker observed a helicopter crash and burst into flames approximate 200 meters from his location. Ignoring the obvious danger to himself, he ran to the downed aircraft and aided in extracting the co-pilot from the intense heat and flames. After removing the injured aviator to a safe place, Private Baker administered first aid and continued to do so until a medical evacuation helicopter arrived. Private Baker’s exceptional alertness, incredibly swift reflexes, almost instantaneous decisiveness and total disregard for his own safety prevented the aviator from being burned to death at the crash. Private Baker’s actions represent heroism and its truest form. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to this country, Private Baker has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.