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 Kenneth E. Gillenwater, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Howitzer Company, 2d Battalion, 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, at Bainberg, Germany in the City Bahnhof (railroad station), on 1 April 1958. While performing duty as one of two guards for vehicles rail-loaded for shipment, Private Gillenwater noticed a bright flash of light, and upon investigation found a fellow soldier in flames as a result of contact with overhead high voltage lines on top of one of the vehicles. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of imminent danger of contact with the high-voltage lines himself, Private Gillenwater climbed on top of the vehicle and extinguished the flames on the injured man. Despite the dangerous proximity of the overhead lines and possibility of personal injury and attempting to lower the body of the man heavier than himself, he managed to lower the victim from a distance of 7 feet. Private Gillenwater’s prompt, courageous action and presence of mind, demonstrated by risking his life in this extremely hazardous situation, reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.