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 Private First Class Sidney Lafer (ASN: 36594294), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States.. On 30 October 1945, Private First Class Lafer was flight traffic clerk on duty in an Alaskan Division C-54 airplane which suddenly crashed near Fort Richardson, Alaska, and began to burn. Suffering intensely from shock, Private First Class Lafer, with utter disregard for his personal safety, remained in the burning wreckage in an attempt to save the surviving passengers and crew members. The wing tank exploded; however, that did not deter Private First Class Lafer from attempting to extricate the radio operator, but his frantic efforts proved to be in vain. Hearing groans, Private First Class Lafer discovered one of the passengers about 200 feet from the plane suffering from shock and bleeding profusely. He immediately gave first aid, applying a tourniquet which was directly responsible for keeping the passenger alive until medical aid arrived. Private First Class Lafer again demonstrated his heroism by re-entering the blazing plane and carrying the severely injured co-pilot to a place of safety. Although the co-pilot’s injuries were subsequently fatal, by these heroic acts Private First Class Lafer undoubtedly saved one man from death. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.