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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Harry J. Steeves (ASN: 0-1332005), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action in Korea. On 12 April 1952, near Chokko-Ri, Korea, the area occupied by Heavy Tank Company was subjected to an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage. One of the rounds scored a direct hit on a truck loaded with gasoline drums, causing them to burn and explode, spraying flaming gasoline and hot fragments of metal over the entire immediate area. Six feet in front of this burning gasoline truck was another truck, containing approximately 100 rounds of 90 millimeter ammunition. The gasoline and burning debris was falling on the ammunition truck and several crates of ammunition were aflame. Lieutenant Steeves, Commanding Officer of Company L, the unit adjacent to Heavy Tank Company, saw from his Command Post that no action was being taken to protect the safety of personnel in the immediate area. Disregarding his own safety, he raced across 350 yards of treacherous, unprotected terrain, which was then under a heavy concentration of hostile artillery and mortar fire, to the lead truck bearing the burning ammunition crates. Unhesitatingly he started the truck and drove it over the crest of a nearby hill, away from the burning pyre of gasoline drums. Dismounting, he ran to the rear of the truck, pulled the burning crates of ammunition to the ground and quickly rendered them harmless by covering them with dirt. Although painfully burned, he continued his action until assistance arrived. This courageous and selfless act undoubtedly prevented a large number of casualties in his own and an adjacent unit. Lieutenant Steeves’ outstanding heroism reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.