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 Frederick J. Schaffer, United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on 14 December 1943, at Palermo, Sicily. Sparks from a passing locomotive set fire to 18 interlaced camouflage nets, which formed a canopy over the battery motor pool area. The fire was soon out of control and loss of the 18 vehicles parked therein seemed imminent. When an effort was made to remove some of the vehicles a section of the burning net fell on one of the trucks, completely enveloping it. The truck was blazing furiously, and was in great danger of exploding at any moment. Private Schaffer ran to the truck and after struggling with the flaming net, managed to enter the truck and drive it into the sea. In doing this, the other nets were pulled after him and the fire extinguished. By his fearless conduct and quick action he undoubtedly prevented destruction of 18 government vehicles and possible injury to enlisted personnel in the vicinity. The heroism displayed by Private Schaffer on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.