The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Leading Aircraftsman John Roberts, Royal Australian Air Force, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Port Moresby, New Guinea, on 18 October 1943. When an airplane crashed into a hillside, with two companions, he rushed toward the burning aircraft in an attempt to remove the trapped pilot. Unmindful of danger from fire and explosion, he worked his way to the cockpit of the airplane and, aided by his companions, succeeded in unfastening the safety belt and removing the body of the pilot. In risking his life in attempting to save a comrade in arms, Leading Aircraftsman Roberts demonstrated great and outstanding heroism.