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 James D. Fee, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Mortar Battery, 1st Airborne Battle Group, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, on 8 May 1963, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Private Fee was serving as Cannnoneer in the third mortar section during a unit live fire exercise when a ball of fire engulfed the second gun section as the mortar round left its tube, severely burning two soldiers, starting a large grass fire, and exposing the remaining sections to fire and explosion. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Private Fee rushed to assist in extinguishing the flames from the clothing of one of the severely burned men and in evacuating him to a safe area. He then promptly returned to the section and assisted in removing the rounds of ammunition despite the succession of explosions within the immediate area and the fast spreading flames. When one of the soldiers, who was assisting in removing the ammunition, was wounded during the subsequent explosions, he continued to display his courageous efforts by assisting in the of evacuation of the wounded man from the hazardous area. Private Fee’s prompt and heroic action in this emergency is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. (This award supersedes the award of the Army Commendation Medal to Private Fee for heroism on eight may 1963 as announced in General Orders Number 143, headquarters, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, dated 12 July 1963.)