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 Captain (Signal Corps) Thomas R. Mainville, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Airborne Battle Group, 327th Infantry, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on 6 March 1959. While participating in a communications field exercise on the Fort Campbell reservation, a stove exploded in a tent and showered an enlisted man with flames and ignited a gasoline can which exploded and engulfed another sleeping soldier. Captain Mainville ordered immediate evacuation and remained inside the tent to assist a soldier who was aflame in his sleeping bag. Captain Mainville, while only partially clad in underclothing which was afire, attempted in vain to drag the soldier out of the blazing tent. Intense heat, blinding smoke, and critical burns forced him to desist in his efforts to save the life of the soldier. Captain Mainville, remained calm and in command of the situation, ordering everyone to take cover when in ammunition, utilized to provide security for the cryptographic material, began exploding. Although badly injured with second and third degree burns, he refused assistance for himself until all of his men were properly cared for and was in command of his troops until the fire was extinguished. The prompt and courageous action of Captain Mainville in the face of danger reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.