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 Lester L. Brown, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Howitzer Battery, 3d Reconnaissance Squadron, 14th Armored Cavalry, at the Seventh Army Training Center, Grafenwohr, Germany, on 11 March 1963. During the refueling of an M-52 self-propelled 105-mm. Howitzer, loaded with ammunition, a fire occurred which enveloped a gasoline truck and threatened to ignite other vehicles in the area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, and despite the danger of an explosion from both the gasoline truck and the Howitzer, Corporal Brown unhesitatingly mounted the Howitzer and drove it a safe distance away from the fire. He then quickly returned to the fire and drove away a quarter ton truck which was parked next to the blazing gasoline tanker. By his courage, decisiveness, and promptness, he of averted the possible loss of life and damage to valuable Government property. Corporal Brown’s heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.