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 Milton W. Johnson, 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 Johnson was serving as Cannoneer in the fourth gun section during a unit live fire exercise when a ball of fire engulfed the second gun section as the mortar round left its tube, starting a large grass fire and exposing the remaining sections to fire and explosion. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and the succession of explosions, he unhesitatingly assisted in removing the rounds of ammunition from his gun section and proceeded to the other gun sections to remove the emanation in the path of the fast spreading flames. When one of the soldiers, who was assisting in the removal of the ammunition, was severely wounded during an explosion, Private Johnson continued to display his courageous efforts by immediately rushing to his aid and assisting in evacuating them from the hazardous area. Private Johnson’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 award of the Army Accommodation Medal for heroism on 8 May 1963, as announced in General Orders Number 143, Headquarters 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, dated 12 July 1963.)