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 Billy F. Bogard, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company A, 100th Tank Battalion, First Armored Division, at Fort Hood, Texas, on 9 September 1955. At about 2315 hours, while on a tactical training exercise, an M-47 tank driven by Private Bogard ran off a narrow bridge, overturned and caught fire immediately. Private Bogard escaped through the driver’s hatch but his fellow crew member was trapped in the turret. With complete disregard for his own safety Private Bogard crawled back into the burning tank, rending and kicking aside obstructions between the commander’s compartment, pulled and guided the trapped soldier to safety. The heroism displayed by Private Bogard reflects great credit on himself and the military service.