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 Warrant Officer (W-1) Edward J. Franklin, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 29 – 30 May 1969. Warrant Officer Franklin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while on duty as Officer-in-Charge of the 235th Aviation Company’s section of the perimeter at Can Tho Army Airfield. When an AH-1G helicopter on a test flight crashed violently, he knew that there was no expeditious way to reach the downed aircraft except by helicopter. Immediately he contacted the AH-1G, flying defensive cover over the airfield and directed him to land adjacent o the command bunker. When the aircraft landed, he and another volunteer opened the ammunition bay doors and sat on them as the pilot flew to the crash site. With the help of the aircraft search light, the pilot soon found the wreckage, but due to the tall bushes and trees, the aircraft could not land. At this time, Warrant Officer Franklin signaled to the man on the other ammunition bay door and both dropped fifteen feet to the ground. They discovered that both pilots were experiencing extreme back pains and that the aircraft commander was only semi-conscious. After extracting the aircraft commander from the wreckage, he decided to move the injured men to an area where a helicopter could land. They carried the man over difficult terrain to a clearing 200 meters away. Shortly thereafter, a helicopter landed and evacuated the four individuals to the 29th Evacuation Hospital at Binh Tuey. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.