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 Brill R. Fairley, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at D’Iberville, Mississippi, on 17 August 1969. On that date while serving as a crew a member on board an amphibious vehicle, Specialist Fairley displayed complete disregard for his own personal safety while participating in rescue operation during the height of Hurricane CAMILLE. Specialist Fairley and a fellow Guardsmen had loaded twenty-five citizens of D’Iberville, Mississippi aboard their vessel and were en route to an established shelter when the vehicle lost it’s marine drive. Within minutes the 200 mph wind had blown their disabled vehicle toward a huge plate glass window of a supermarket. Realizing the imminent danger, and without hesitation or fear for his own life, Specialist Fairley immediately jumped into the turbulent debris filled water and succeeded in towing a rope to a nearby tree to which he anchored the vehicle. Realizing that the passengers and the vehicle could not survive the storm in that location, again Specialist Fairley jeopardized his life by jumping into the hazardous waters and diving beneath the vehicle to inspect the propeller. Feeling his way through the black water he found a log jammed between the propeller and the housing. After several attempts to remove the log, Specialist Fairley discovered a small air pocket near the propeller and, by keeping his nose in the air pocket, remained under the hurricane tide for over five minutes, which enabled him to dislodge the log. This dangerous exploit enabled the crew to operate their craft and deliver their passengers to safety. Throughout the night Specialist Fairley displayed raw courage and bravery in endangering his life to save the lives of his fellow man. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of service to his country, Specialist Fairley has reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.