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 John M. Stewart (ASN: 6646593), United States Army, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with Service Company, 30th Infantry Regiment, displayed on 24 May 1931 near the Post Commissary, Presidio of San Francisco, California. When the mules attached to a ration wagon became frightened by a piece of flapping tarpaulin on a nearby truck, and were running away, Private Stewart, realizing the danger to bystanders and in complete disregard of his own safety, jumped for the heads of the animals and stopped their first rush, thus making it possible for them to be caught before any bystanders were injured. In so doing, he himself was knocked to the ground and suffered probable, permanent injuries. The heroic conduct displayed by Private Stewart reflects great credit upon himself and the Army.