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 Staff Sergeant James H. Arthur (ASN: 6527372), United States Army Air Corps, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with the 70th Service Squadron, near Oleander, California, about seven miles south of Fresno, California, on 2 May 1930. While riding in the pilot’s cockpit as mechanic in charge of Army Fokker, C-2 Transport, the micarta propeller blades of the right engine broke at the hub and were thrown off, one blade passing through the cabin, the other striking and seriously damaging the entering edge of the right wing. The damage caused by the blades and the terrific vibration of the engine caused a violent wing flutter attendant with full loss of aileron control. Partial fore and aft control remained to the pilot but the control wheel was bouncing back and forth through a considerable arc. Fearing that the plane would go to pieces at any moment, the pilot directed Sergeant Arthur to clear the cabin of the six enlisted men who were passengers. After complying with this order, Sergeant Arthur, instead of leaving the plane himself, elected to remain that he might be of assistance to his pilot in case of a serious crash which seemed imminent. With complete disregard of his own personal safety Sergeant Arthur remained with the plane until the landing had been made, when he promptly assured himself of his pilot’s safety. Sergeant Arthur’s conduct reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.