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 Thomas H. Townsend (ASN: 0-1583776), United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with the 3965th Quartermaster Truck Company, 7th Armored Division. On 26 August 1944, when an American airplane was hit by antiaircraft fire and crashed, Lieutenant Townsend was the first person to arrive on the scene. Completely disregarding the danger of an imminent explosion and the intense heat from the burning plane, Lieutenant Townsend courageously approached the burning plane and removed the injured pilot to safety. The heroism and courageous action of Lieutenant Townsend reflect credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the military service.