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 Specialist Fourth Class Merville F. Blakesley, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy on 6 December 1969 while serving as a crew chief with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while servicing his helicopter, Specialist Blakesley observed another helicopter go out of control and crash on the flight line. Sprinting to the scene of the accident, Specialist Blakesley began pulling an unconscious crewman to safety. In spite of the fuel pouring from the ruptured fuel cells and the possibility of explosion, Specialist Blakesley returned to the ship and helped the other crew members from the downed craft. After clearing the injured crew from the ship, Specialist Blakesley again returned to the ship and began smothering the fuel and ship with gas from a fire extinguisher eliminating the possibility of a fire. Specialist Blakesley’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.