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 James E. Lee, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Field Support Company, Troop Command, United States Army Chemical Center and School, on 13 April 1965 at Fort McClellan, Alabama. Private Lee was one of two passengers in a 2 1/2 ton truck when the vehicles swerved out of control on a steep downhill road, overturned and caught fire, throwing both passengers our of the truck and pinning the driver under the wreckage. Although suffering from shock and laceration, Private Lee immediately carried the other passenger away from the burning vehicle. Then, with complete disregard for his own safety, he returned to the blazing truck and succeeded in freeing the driver who was trapped in the wreckage. After pulling the driver a safe distance from the wreckage, Private Lee extinguished the flaming clothing on the driver and sustained burns on his own arms in this effort. He then ran 700 meters to telephone for help. Upon returning to the scene of the accident, he continued to give aid to the two injured men until medical assistance arrived. Private Lee’s heroic actions in this emergency and deep concern for his fellow soldiers are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military service.