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 Corporal Myron M. Matteson, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 105th Military Police Company, United States Army Infantry Center Troop Command, on 15 March 1962, at Fort Benning, Georgia, in voluntarily risking his life to ensure the safety of others during a fire which destroyed a major portion of the Main Officers’ Open Mess. Upon his arrival at the scene of the fire, Corporal Matteson found that there were occupants in the burning building. Despite the dense choking smoke and fumes, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he immediately entered the building, made his way upstairs to the hotel portion, awakened the sleeping guests, and assisted them to safety. He voluntarily re-entered the blazing structure several times, crawling on his hands and knees through the dense smoke and choking poisonous fumes, to search for occupants. Although he was nearly overcome by the smoke and fumes, he persisted in his efforts until each of the guest rooms was thoroughly checked and all individuals were safely evacuated. Corporal Matteson’s presence of mind, determined efforts, and courageous action in this emergency prevented possible tragedy and loss of life, and reflect great credit on himself and the military service.