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 William G. Rogers (ASN: RA-14959706), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Rodgers distinguished himself by valorous actions on the evening of 30 January 1968 while serving as a rifleman with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, at Lai Khe, Vietnam. Seeing a helicopter crash on the airfield, Specialist Rogers immediately rushed to the scene and began evacuating the crewmembers from the burning wreckage. Flames had spread to the fuel-saturated clothes and boots of the door gunner, who was seriously injured and trapped beneath the helicopter. Specialist Rogers immediately dragged him clear and smothered the flames from his clothing. As Specialist Rogers was in the process of extracting the door gunner, ammunition aboard the aircraft began to explode, placing him in great danger. Nevertheless Specialist Rogers returned to the burning helicopter to assist two others who had just arrived, in freeing the trapped pilot and carrying him to safety. Specialist Rogers’ heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.