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 Dexter M. Meade (ASN: RA-13870232), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the 189th Aviation Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, on 11 March 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Meade distinguished himself while serving as door-gunner on an armed helicopter which experienced engine failure and crashed alongside a road near Kontum. Upon impact, he was thrown from the aircraft. The helicopter immediately burst into flames and the ammunition on board began to explode. Dazed and inured as he was, he realized that none of the other three crew members were out of the flaming wreckage. He raced back to the burning and exploding helicopter at great risk to his life and freed the pilot from the wreckage. In his attempt to free the Aircraft Commander, he was driven back by intense fire and exploding ammunition and was almost engulfed in a tremendous explosion which scattered burning pieces of the wreckage all around him. His outstanding heroism in the face of near impossible odds in saving the life of his comrade was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.