HEADQUARTERS 9th BOMBARDMENT DIVISION (M) C/GM/4 GENERAL ORDERS APO 140, U.S. Army NUMBER 11 18 January 1945 SECTION I : AWARD OF THE SOLDIER’S MEDAL For heroism, 26 December 1944, to the below named officer and enlisted man. When the B-26 airplane in which they were flying crashed in flames shortly after take off, these two crew members, after escaping from the burning wreckage returned to rescue the injured armorer gunner. Despite the hazards of exploding ammunition, and the imminent danger of the gasoline tanks and bombs exploding, they dragged the wounded gunner to safety. Several minutes later the bombs exploded and the aircraft was demolished. The valorous actions of these two crew members during this critical emergency are worthy of highest praise. Earl H. Madsen 2nd Lt. AC Wheeler, Wisc. Claude A. Koch Cpl. AC Allentown, Pa. 386th BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) 555th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)