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 Robert L. Dameron, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 16 August 1962 in Contrisson, France, while performing duties as a driver and team chief of Company B, 69th Signal Battalion. As Sergeant Dameron was driving a truck through the center of Contrisson, the gasoline-loaded trailer of the vehicle became engulfed in flames. To avert an imminent explosion in the village, he displayed complete disregard for his own personal safety and drove the burning vehicle to an open field in the outskirts of town. As the gas cans in the trailer started to explode, he succeeded in detaching the inflamed one and one-half ton generator set from the truck while he was prayed with a stream of water by French firemen who arrived on the scene. By his prompt actions and sound judgment, he managed to save costly government communications equipment and prevented possible injury and damage to the village and population of Contrisson, France. Sergeant Dameron’s heroic conduct in this emergency is in the highest traditions of the military service. [This award supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal to Sergeant Dameron for heroism on 16 August 1962 in Contrisson, France, as announced in General Orders Number 106, Headquarters, United States Army Transportation Center and Fort Eustis, dated 26 November 1963.]