Soldier’s Medal, “William W. Heiden”, flood rescue 1961

Soldier’s Medal, slot brooch, machine-engraved “William W./Heiden”. The ribbon shows wear at the folds.

Sergeant First Class Heiden was cited “for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 90th Transportation Company (Medium Helicopter), Fort Knox, Kentucky, on 8 May 1961. Sergeant Heiden was performing duty as Flight Engineer of an H-37 helicopter engaged in the rescue of persons trapped by the raging flood waters of the Twin Forks River approximately 15 miles south of Louisville, Kentucky. When the flooded terrain and tall trees severely impeded rescue operations, Sergeant Heiden voluntarily permitted himself to be lowered from the helicopter down a 75-foot hoist cable onto the roof of a house in an attempt to rescue two elderly people trapped in the attic by the rapidly rising flood waters. He successfully accomplished this dangerous feat despite the full knowledge that one gust of wind could have easily caused his death by slamming him against a tree or into electric wires. After reaching the rooftop, using his hands and feet he tore and kicked a large hole through which the trapped victims were extricated. Fighting against the slippery roof and the 100-knot wind downwash from the helicopter, and faced with the constant anxiety of the panic stricken people, he succeeded in fashioning and securing a harness which raised the couple safely into the aircraft…”