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 Fourth Class James F. Hancock, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 595th Medical Company, at Smiley Barracks, Karisruhe, Germany, on 7 December 1963. Specialist Hancock was performing maintenance duties when a fellow soldier attempted to start a flooded generator which backfired, ignited the gasoline, and set the man’s clothing on fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Specialist Hancock unhesitatingly rushed to the aid of the soldier and extinguished the flames from the clothing by throwing him to the ground and smothering the blaze with his own body. Specialist Hancock’s heroic conduct, sound judgment, and prompt actions in this emergency are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.