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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) [then Officer Candidate} Gene D. Giancola, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with 53rd Company, 5th Student Battalion, The Candidate Brigade (Provisional), United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia, on the evening of 20 October 1968. On this date, while on pass in Columbus, Georgia, Lieutenant Giancola witnessed a serious automobile accident in which one person was critically injured. The situation of grave danger was further punctuated by the fact that gasoline spilled from the ruptured automobile’s fuel tank causing the possibility of a serious fire at the gasoline soaked accident scene. Without hesitation, Lieutenant Giancola ran to the scene and began administering the life-saving steps to the injured individual who had a serious head injury and had apparently stopped breathing. Lieutenant Giancola, realizing grave danger of a gasoline fire to the crowd gathering in the immediate area, immediately directed the crowd out of the danger zone. Due to his competent and heroic actions, the life of the seriously injured individual was saved and many innocent civilians were saved from possible injury. Lieutenant Giancola’s exceptional performance is worthy of emulation by all members of the service and is in keeping with the high standards desired of all members of the Army. This act reflects great honor upon him, the Candidate Brigade and the United States Army.