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 James H. Easterling, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Camp Shelby, Mississippi on 20 August 1969. While en route from Camp Shelby to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Sergeant Easterling observed a truck which was wrecked and burning. A man on fire was trapped under the vehicle and another man on fire was rolling on the ground approximately eight feet away from the burning truck. Sergeant Easterling immediately, although the vehicle was engulfed in flames and in imminent danger of exploding, attempted to extricate the trapped victim. As the victim was tightly wedged under the vehicle, Sergeant Easterling, without hesitation and with utter disregard for his personal safety, remained in the raging inferno and continued his efforts to save the victim from a fiery death. After freeing the man and dragging him to safety, Sergeant Easterling put out the flames on the victim’s body by rolling him in the dirt and beat the flames out with his bare hands. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Sergeant Easterling has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.