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 Lawrence J. Couture, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the 164th Medical Detachment, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on 13 February 1973. Private First Class Couture functioned in a singularly exemplary and heroic manner as a crash rescue specialist. He displayed bravery and devotion to duty that is seldom manifested as he rappelled seventy feet from a hovering helicopter and fought his way through the intense heat of the flaming wreckage. Knowing that his fire suit was not designed for such a task and that the fuel tanks might explode, he continued to risk his own life in an attempt to save a life. Although the attempt to recover any survivors was futile, Private First Class Couture demonstrated a dedication to duty and a level of courage possessed by verry few. Such high standards of personal excellence and a desire to go beyond mission accomplishment are extremely admirable and reflect great credit upon himself, the Medical Department Activity, Fort Belvoir, and the United States Army.