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 Edward A. Monroe (ASN: US-52724089), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed hostile force on 1 August 1968 while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Private Monroe was working near the defensive perimeter of the base camp when he observed a number of Vietnamese children playing. Suddenly one of the youths detonated a trip flare which showered several of the other children with burning fragments and set their clothing on fire. Private Monroe reacting instantly leaped from his vehicle and ran toward the frightened children in an attempt to aid them. The youths were panicked by the burning flare and began to run wildly into the rubber plantation that surrounded the base camp. Private Monroe, with full knowledge of the possibility that the immediate area could contain antipersonnel mines, continued to pursue the panic-stricken children. Completely ignoring possible injury to himself, Private Monroe went through the barbed wire encircling the base camp and over_ took three of the youths. Assessing the children’s injuries, Private Monroe quickly took them to his vehicle and rushed them to the medical company in the base camp. Private First Class Monroe’s disregard for his personal safety and deep concern for the welfare of his fellow man were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.