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 Major (Field Artillery) Jerome B. Feldt, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 14th Army Aviation Company (Fixed Wing – Tactical Transport), at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, during the period 1 July 1956 to 11 July 1956. As Officer-in-Charge of the United States Army rescue team at the site of commercial aviation’s worst disaster, he was directly responsible for the perilous operation which successfully evacuated all bodies from the wreckage and obtained invaluable data for important investigations of the crash. Aeronautical experts and experienced mountain climbing teams had deemed the recovery of the bodies and wreckage evidence an impossible task, but Major Feldt, familiar with the capabilities of his men and equipment, carefully studied all aspects of the problem and decided to attempt further rescue operations. He personally flew helicopter missions into the depths of the rugged, hitherto unexplored, canyon and many fixed wing search missions. The lack of personal concern in the face of great danger, the superior professional ability and presence of mind demonstrated by this officer have earned him the admiration and confidence of his associates and high government and civil officials. Major Feldt’s outstanding performance reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest tradition of the service.