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 Specialist Sixth Class Gilbert N. Curry, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery D, 1st Missile Battalion (NIKE HERCULES), 56th Artillery, on 4 June 1964 in the Angeles National Force, near Los Angeles, California. When Specialist Curry was traveling on a highway in a densely wooded area and suddenly confronted with another vehicle on the wrong side of the road, he immediately stopped his car which was then hit by the oncoming vehicle. Although the other automobile burst into flames and set fire to the dazed driver, Specialist Curry completely disregarded his own personal safety and ignored the danger of a gasoline explosion in his efforts to rescue the victim. He rushed to his own car for a blanket, ran to the burning vehicle, evacuated the occupant, extinguished the flames on the body of the driver, and forced him to lie down and remain calm in a safe area. Then, continuing his courageous efforts, he returned to the scene of the crash and moved his own car to permit the burning vehicle to roll into the side of a mountain to prevent it’s going over an embankment and starting a major forest fire. Specialist Curry’s sound judgment, prompt actions, and heroic conduct in this emergency are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.