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 Eric O. Smith, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Enterprise, Alabama, 26 October 1969. On that date Sergeant Smith was awakened at approximately 0200 hours by cries of “fire.” He ran outdoors and saw that the adjacent apartment was burning fiercely. Upon learning that a small baby was still in the apartment, Sergeant Smith, with complete disregard for his own safety and ignoring the possible consequences of his act, raced into the blazing building. He found the baby in its burning crib and, in spite of the flames, picked up the crib and carried it and the baby out of the building, sustaining burns on his right hand. Then, with the same deliberate calmness, Sergeant Smith’s smothered the fire on the crib with a blanket and administered what first aid he could to the baby until medical help arrived. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of the service to his country, Sergeant Smith has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.