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 Second Lieutenant Pradist Duangjarus, Royal Thai Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 2 August 1969, while serving as 1st Platoon Leader, 1st Company, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Brigade, Royal Thai Army Volunteer Force, Vietnam. At approximately 0930 hours in Nhon Trach District, Bien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, Lieutenant Pradist assisted in the rescue of an American officer and a Thai Aviation pilot from a burning helicopter and helped carry them to safety. Lieutenant Pradist was on patrol after having been inserted into the area during a combat air assault operation. The OH-13 helicopter from the Thai Light Aviation Company was attempting to land near of the location of Lieutenant Pradist’s platoon. The helicopter, upon landing, began to slide in the soft muddy soil and the tail rotor became entangled in the brush. As the helicopter attempted to take off it flipped over, shattering the canopy, and the plane burst into flames. Realizing the seriousness of the accident and that the American officer and Thai pilot were caught in the burning aircraft, Lieutenant Pradist, and a United States Army Liaison Noncommissioned Officer rushed to the ship to free the persons trapped inside. Lieutenant Pradist pulled the pilot free and then attempted to free the American officer but was not immediately successful as he was pinned in the passenger door. While the Noncommissioned Officer lifted the burning helicopter and rocked the ship, Lieutenant Pradist freed the officer and pulled him safely away from the ship. At this moment several hand grenades in the ship began to explode and the fuel tanks caught fire, thus completely demolishing the helicopter. An American officer in a command and control ship circling overhead landed and evacuated the two wounded officers. Lieutenant Pradist acted with complete disregard for his own safety. His rapid estimate and response undoubtedly resulted in saving the lives of both. Lieutenant Pradist’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit and the Royal Thai Army.