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 Third Class Charles E. Smith, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of 11th Administrative Company, Command and Control Battalion, 11th Airborne Division, at Flak Kaserne, Augsburg, Germany, on 29 April 1957. While walking across the ball field at Flak Kaserne, Specialist Smith saw two helicopters collide in midair at approximately 100 feet altitude. Both helicopters crashed to the ground approximately 100 yards from where he was standing. The H-13 helicopter burst into flames, making any rescue attempt in that direction impossible. The H-34 helicopter, which had crashed about 20 yards from the H-13, did not take fire; however, it was drenched in gasoline. Specialist Smith, without regard to his personal safety, immediately rushed to the H-34 helicopter and began pulling out the pilot. While extricating the pilot from the wreckage, he brought to the attention of the other people who arrived at the scene that other persons were trapped in the troop compartment. As soon as he lowered the pilot over the side of the H-34, Specialist Smith went to the troop compartment and helped in the removal of two men. At the time the troop compartment was flooded with approximately 6 inches of gasoline. Specialist Smith’s quick thinking and total disregard to his personal welfare was courageous and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.