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 (Field Artillery) Joseph D. Ryan, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Battery, 2d Howitzer Battalion, 75th Artillery, on 9 February 1960. Arriving at the scene after the outbreak of a fire in an M-48 Tank at the Seventh United States Army Training Center at Grafenwohr, Germany Lieutenant Ryan found the fire raging out of control. Despite the fact that the tank was not within the direct area of his responsibility, he immediately organized a detailed to remove the basic load of ammunition from the tank. In the face of deadly carbon tetrachloride fumes and with the ever present danger of a possible explosion, he put on a breathing mask, entered the tank turret, and passed the ammunition out to the detail quickly removed it from the area. He persisted in his efforts and remained inside the tank until the batteries of the burning vehicle had been disconnected. Lieutenant Ryan’s presence of mind, courageous actions, and unselfish concern for his own personal safety in this sudden emergency saved valuable Government property from total destruction, prevented damage to other vehicles in the area, and prevent a possible death or injury to personnel. His quick judgment and heroic efforts are in the most cherished tradition of the United States Army, and reflects distinct credit upon himself and the military service.