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 Private First Class Raymond C. Maruschak, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company B, Service Unit, Fort Lewis, Washington, during the early morning hours of 28 August 1958, in the vicinity of the Chamberlain-Wald Airport, Minneapolis, Minnesota, when the civilian DC-5B aircraft on which he was a passenger crash landed shortly after takeoff. With the emergency exits blocked either by the ground or by flames, and with smoke and fumes starting to fill the cabin, the sixty-one passengers and crew were trapped inside the aircraft. Noticing a small hole in the fuselage were a wing had been wrenched off, Private Maruschak enlarged the whole into an exit by tearing back the raw metal with his bare hands, slashing them in so doing. Then with the flames starting to lick at the interior of the cabin, with complete disregard for his own safety, Private Maruschak stationed himself at his improvised exit and handed out the women, children, and injured. Despite the constant danger from the flames and threat of explosion, he continued his heroic action until the last of the passengers had been safely evacuated. He made his escape with only seconds to spare before flames completely engulfed the aircraft. His prompt and courageous action in the face of extreme danger reflects great credit on himself and the military service.