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 Chief Warrant Officer (W-2) Howard L. Proctor, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 93rd Transportation Company (Light Helicopter) (H-21) at the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, during the period 1 July 1956 to 11 July 1956. As a member of the Army Recovery Team at the site of commercial aviation’s worst disaster, he volunteered above and beyond the call of duty, to make the first ascent to the scene of the accident as copilot of the helicopter although aeronautical experts and experienced mountain climbers and declared the task to be impossible of completion. His complete disregard for his personal safety and complete devotion to duty helped inspire other pilots of his unit to volunteer for subsequent flights to the crash site, despite the hazardous air currents, hazardous peaks and treacherous landing spots, to recover the remains of the accident victims and to obtain invaluable data for the investigation of the accident. He later made 11 additional flights, as co-pilot to the scene of the accident with the full knowledge that aircraft failure or misjudgment might have meant sudden death. The prompt, courageous and determined action taken by Chief Warrant Officer Proctor and repeatedly entering a hazardous area reflect distinct credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.