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 (Infantry) Paul N. Sper (ASN: 0-87388), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company D, 1st Airborne Battle Group, 504th Infantry, 8th Infantry Division, on 24 August 1962, near Patersbach, Germany. When Lieutenant Sper observed a soldier pinned under an overturned two and one-half ton truck which was engulfed in flames and loaded with ammunition, he unhesitatingly went to his aid. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he attempted to extricate the trapped man from the blazing wreckage, characterized by dense smoke, choking fumes, and live ammunition exploding every few seconds, hurling fragments in all directions. Despite the Inferno of flames, he remained with the hazardous wreckage, digging the soil with his bare hands to free the victim. He continued his efforts until he was struck by flying shrapnel and suffered a severe injury. Lieutenant Spers’ prompt and heroic action in this emergency is in the highest tradition of the United States Army, and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.