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 Specialist Fourth Class Rothya J. Patterson (ASN: US-54437095), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. Specialist Four Patterson distinguished himself by heroic action while serving with Troop G, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, on 3 June 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. While preparing for the evening alert, a grenade was accidentally detonated inside an assault vehicle in the motor pool, and the vehicle immediately burst into flames. By the time that Specialist Patterson reached the scene, the fire had become so intense that ammunition inside the vehicle was exploding, making approach to the vehicle extremely hazardous. Seeing one of the crew had been seriously wounded, Specialist Patterson, with disregard for his own safety, rushed toward the blazing vehicle and began administering first aid. In the midst of constant danger, Specialist Patterson displayed the utmost in professional competence as he performed a tracheotomy and stopped the bleeding of a severed artery in the man’s leg. Specialist Patterson’s courage and quick, decisive actions is credited with saving the life of the injured man. Specialist Fourth Class Patterson’s heroic action and determination in the face of danger are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force Oregon, and the United States Army.