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) Robert M. Berger, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters, 1st Howitzer Battalion, 2d Artillery, on 15 June 1959, at Baumholder, Army Airfield, Germany. Major Berger was a passenger in an L-19A Army aircraft that crashed while the pilot was landing. As the aircraft came to rest after cart-wheeling and skidding backwards over the ground for 50 feet, it immediately caught fire around the engine. Major Berger evacuated the aircraft and was a few feet from the door when he heard the pilot call for assistance. He voluntarily returned to help the pilot extricate his right leg from the collapsed forward portion of the cockpit, despite the flames that were coming out from under the engine cowling and spreading up the windshield, threatening to explode the gas tanks at any second. Suffering from a fractured left shoulder and two fractured vertebrae, Major Berger persisted in his efforts until he freed the pilot’s leg and assisted him away from the burning aircraft shortly before the cockpit burst into flames. Major Burger’s unselfishness and prompt courageous action saved the pilot from severe burns or possible death, reflecting great credit on himself and the military service.