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 Master Sergeant Odis C. Heard, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on 8 January 1951 as Flight Engineer on a C-46 aircraft, First Troop Carrier Group (Provisional). Sergeant Heard was on an emergency resupply mission to Korea when his aircraft crashed upon landing. The entire cockpit was smashed and he was pinned against the side of the aircraft by a 10,000 pound cargo. Sergeant Heard freed himself from the debris and despite injuries worked himself through the smoke filled aircraft to the navigator’s side, removing him to safety through the rear exit. Although there was serious threat of explosion, he returned to the smoking wreckage, made his way to the cockpit and tried to reach the pilot who was pinned to the forward bulkhead by the smashed nose of the aircraft. Unsuccessful in the attempt, Sergeant Heard went out through the escape hatch and tried to tear through the shattered remains of the cockpit to reach the critically injured pilot. Eventually, with the assistance of other persons, Sergeant Heard succeeded in removing the pilot. Throughout the rescue, he displayed unusual courage and composure. Sergeant Heard’s disregard for personal safety and his devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.