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 Thomas D. Walsh, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 11th Transportation Company (Light Helicopter), at Gausta Mountain, Norway, on 12 August 1957. While crew chief of a H-34 Army helicopter hauling sling loads to the top of Gausta Mountain, Specialist Walsh observed the crash of another H-34 helicopter on the side of the mountain. The helicopter of which Specialist Walsh was crew chief flew immediately to the scene of the burning wreckage and hovered approximately 10 feet in the air above the burning wreckage on the steep rocky-strewn slope. Without regard for his personal safety, Specialist Walsh jumped from the hovering aircraft, ran to the flaming wreckage and sprayed the cockpit with a fire extinguisher to keep the flames away from the unconscious pilot. After quickly removing the pilot from the wreckage, Specialist Walsh carried him to a safe position. The prompt and courageous actions taken by Specialist Walsh, undoubtedly saved the pilot’s life, reflecting the utmost credit on himself and the military service.