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 Fifth Class Douglas Van Steenwyk, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 30 May 1969. Specialist Van Steenwyk distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while on duty at the 235th Aviation Company’s section of the perimeter at Can Tho Army Airfield. When an AH-1G on a test flight crashed violently, the Officer-in-Charge contacted the AH-1C flying defensive cover over the airfield and directed him to land adjacent to the command bunker. When the aircraft landed, both men 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 could not land due to the trees and bushes. At this time, Specialist Van Steenwyk and the officer jumped 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, Specialist Van Steenwyk aided in moving the injured pilot 200 meters over difficult terrain to a clearing where a helicopter could land. Shortly thereafter, a UH-1H landed and evacuated the four individuals to the 29th Evacuation Hospital at Binh Thuy. 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.