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 Specialist Fourth Class Fred E. Jude (ASN: US-55627336), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2d Guided Missile Battalion, 1st Guided Missile Group, on 26 September 1959, at Fort Bliss, Texas. Eight busses were loaded and about to depart for Noel Field where personnel were detailed to participate in a parade when fire was discovered in one of the vehicles. Almost immediately and before anyone could get off, the bus was filled with dense black smoke and flames. Without thought of danger to himself and despite the smoke and increasing flames, Specialist Jude stayed on the bus, calming and helping the panicked men to safety. He emerged from the burning interior of the bus for a breath of fresh air and, without hesitation or regard for his own personal safety, Specialist Jude reentered the burning bus to search for anyone who might still be on the bus. Feeling his way through the aisle of the bus, he found one soldier in a semiconscious or confused condition with his boot caught on an unidentified object. Immediately realizing that the man would perish in the flames if not removed immediately, Specialist Jude pulled him withy such force as to break the nylon boot laces and removed the victim to a safe distance from the burning bus. Specialist Jude performed these heroic actions in the face of constant danger of an explosion of the 75 gallons of gasoline in the fuel tank. The prompt courage and determination displayed by Specialist Jude in unselfishly and voluntarily risking his life in the emergency undoubtedly saved the man’s life. Specialist Jude’s actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.