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 Lawrence N. Ashley, United States Army, for heroism and voluntary risk of life at Yong Dung Po, Korea, on 25 May 1947. When a gasoline truck, which was transferring gasoline to an air compressor, burst into flames, there was extreme danger of igniting high explosives stored nearby, as well as endangering military personnel and Korean laborers in the immediate vicinity. Sergeant Ashley immediately climbed into the vehicle and courageously backed it down a steep slope into the Han River until it was completely submerged and the flames extinguished, then swam to shore. Through his quick thinking, heroic action, and complete disregard for personal safety, Sergeant Ashley upheld the finest traditions of the military service.