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 Captain (Infantry) David Richard Evan Hale, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Drake Kaserne, Frankfurt, Germany on 15 November 1969. On that date Captain Hale rescued the passengers and crewmembers trapped in a crashed helicopter. The helicopter crashed on its side, jamming all exit doors and trapping all the occupants. With the motor still running, fuel was pouring from the aircraft and being whipped by winds into the engine, permeating the aircraft and the vicinity with fuel and fumes. This presented an extremely flammable condition. Captain Hale, without hesitating, kicked in the lower part of the Plexiglas on the nose of the aircraft and successfully evacuated passengers and crew. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Captain Hale has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.