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 Captain William R. Likins (AFSN: AO-661947), United States Air Force, for heroism at Burtonwood, England, on 24 July 1950. During the installation of a shut-off valve on a B-29 aircraft, high octane gasoline flowing from a loose hose connection caught fire. While attempting to stop the flow of gasoline, a mechanic was drenched with fuel and his clothing ignited. Although the ramp was engulfed in flames and the blazing aircraft was in imminent danger of exploding, Captain Likins rushed to the airman’s assistance and succeeded in extinguishing the flames before fatal burns resulted. The prompt and heroic action of this officer in voluntarily risking his life in an emergency reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.