The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Chief Warrant Officer Gary C. Nistler, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving as aircraft commander during a Military Assistance to Safety to Traffic medical evacuation flight on 4 September 1970, near North Bend, Washington. Warrant Officer Nistler voluntarily responded to a request from the Washington State Patrol for a helicopter to evacuate a seriously injured motorist from an accident site located in a narrow valley bordered by a 5000 foot mountains. Disregarding the extremely hazardous flying conditions caused by extreme darkness and adverse weather, Warrant Officer Nistler twice attempted to locate the injured motorist. During the second attempt, his helicopter crashed, killing the occupants. Chief Warrant Officer Nistler sacrificed his life attempting to save the life of another individual. His brave and truly unselfish performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect that the greatest credit on him and the United States Army.