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 Captain (Corps of Engineers) Lawrence F. McKay, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 20 December 1959, while serving as a member of the Aviation Detachment, Headquarters, United States Army, Europe. Captain McKay was performing duty as co-pilot of an L-23D Army aircraft which crashed near Madrid, Spain, while attempting to execute a ground controlled approach landing under adverse conditions of intense fog and extremely reduced visibility. When the plan had come to rest on the ground, both engines burst into flames, endangering both his life and that of the pinned and injured pilot. Despite the fact that he was severely injured himself, and with full knowledge that the aircraft might be enveloped by flames at any moment, Captain McKay remained inside the plane, extricated the wounded pilot and removed him from the cockpit to safety just seconds before the plane exploded. His unselfish devotion to duty, prompt courage and presence of mind saved his fellow officer from certain death. Captain McKay’s heroic action in this immediate emergency is worthy of emulation, and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.