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 First Class Billie E. Martin, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 108th Quartermaster Company, at Furth, Germany, on 2 July 1961. While performing duty as an interior guard, Private Martin noticed a soldier running toward him and brandishing a pistol. Failing to respond to all orders to halt, the soldier fired a shot at Private Martin and eluded him by running through the gate and away from the limits of the military post. Despite the fact that he was unarmed, and without concern for his own personal safety, Private Martin immediately pursued the soldier for a distance of approximately 200 yards. In the face of subsequent shots fired at him by the soldier, Private Martin managed to catch the soldier, and disarmed and held him until the arrival of military policeman. The prompt, courageous and heroic actions displayed by Private Martin in this situation are worthy of emulation, and reflect distinct credit on himself in the military service.