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 H. Brown, Jr., United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Brown distinguished himself by heroic actions on 7 March 1970 in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Specialist Brown was flying a smoke spreading mission in the vicinity of Song Tam Rao when a sister ship on a combat assault crashed in an unsecured area. Arriving on station, Specialist Brown alertly observed the area around the wreckage and spotted two survivors. Realizing that his comrades were severely injured and in danger from the fire spreading around the burning wreckage, Specialist Brown climbed out on to the helicopter’s skid as the ship descended towards the crash site. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Brown hung from the skid and dropped fifteen feet onto the steep slope, suffering severe injuries himself. Ignoring his painful wounds, Specialist Brown quickly located the crewmen of the downed aircraft and moved them to the base of the mountain. When a further search of the area disclosed no further personnel, Specialist Brown returned to his comrades and administered emergency first aid until they could be extracted from the area. Specialist Fourth Class Brown’s personal heroism and unselfish concern for his fellow soldiers are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division and the United States Army.