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 Staff Sergeant Richard N. Gilbraith, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division at the Hohenfels Major Training Area, Germany. On the evening of 23 November 1968, an armored personnel carrier caught fire in the immediate vicinity of a 1,200-gallon petroleum, oil and lubricant tanker, presenting an immediate danger to the lives of all personnel in the vicinity. Sergeant Gilbraith, quickly realizing the gravity of the situation, willingly risked his life by entering the tanker and driving it out of the danger area. He then returned to the scene of the fire, boarded the flaming personnel carrier, and began unloading ammunition, preventing probable loss of life and extensive damage to government property. The heroism and presence of mind displayed by Sergeant Gilbraith are in accord with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon him, the Division, and the United States Army.