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 William B. Tapp, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Airborne Battle Group, 506th Infantry, on 7 February 1961, on the military reservation at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The platoon, undergoing field training exercises, was encamped for the night when huge flames caused by the explosion of a can of gasoline engulfed one of the tents. The officer trapped inside was covered from head to toe with the burning fuel and, in an attempt to get out of the blazing structure, was covered with even more gasoline. Sergeant Tapp immediately heard the explosion and, realizing the serious danger involved, yelled to the officer that had then panicked and started to run. Upon seeing the screaming, burning figure dash from the fiery tent, Sergeant Tapp grabbed the flame-covered man and toppled him to the ground. Without hesitation or concern for his own personal safety, he physically controlled the victim, despite the searing flames, and rolled him in the mud, smothering the fire with his own body, and beat out the remaining blaze with his field jacket. His prompt, decisive actions and courageous efforts in the face of extreme personal danger undoubtedly saved the officer’s life. The unselfish heroism displayed by Sergeant Trapp in this sudden emergency is in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army and reflects distinct credit upon himself and the military service.