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 Sergeant First Class John J. MacLean, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy near Bimbach, Germany, on 13 October 1968, while a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade (ABN/MECH). Sergeant MacLean, disregarding his own safety, exhibited great courage by attempting to rescue four persons from their blazing automobile. He successfully extracted one of the automobile’s passengers. The raging flames engulfed the remaining passengers before they could be removed from the automobile. Sergeant MacLean then turned his attention toward a passenger of the other automobile which was involved in the accident. He immediately rendered first aid to this passenger until an ambulance arrived. While approximately one hundred Germans citizens gazed with awe at the blazing inferno, Sergeant MacLean responded immediately with the actions of a well-trained professional soldier and proceeded to perform all actions humanly possible prevent further injury or loss of life. Sergeant MacLean’s action reflects the utmost credit upon them, the 8th Infantry Division and the United States Army.