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 Captain (Medical Corps) James G. Bland, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 13th Infantry, on 27 July 1964, near Michelstadt, Germany. When informed that urgent assistance was needed at the scene of an accident in which an Army truck, carrying sixteen tons of 155-mm. ammunition, had turned over, started to burn, and pinned the driver beneath the wreckage, Captain Bland unhesitatingly volunteered to participate in the rescue effort. As he and the rescue party arrived in a vehicle (Tracked Recovery) at the accident site in a wooded area, the exploding 155-mm. shells had started a number of brushfires and one serious fire threatened 40,000 acres of prime coniferous forest. With complete disregard for his own safety and ignoring the exploding shells and fire, he rode to the area of the wreckage where exploding shells prevented the evacuation of the truck driver. When the hazardous situation required that the rescue vehicle be moved to a safe location, he dismounted and crawled through brush fires to reach the truck. Two minutes after the medics determined that the driver was no longer alive and the rescue party had moved to a safe area, a tremendous explosion occurred hurling blazing fragments into the air and starting new fires. Throughout the dangerous rescue mission, he demonstrated fortitude perseverance, and deep concern for the life of a fellow soldier. Captain Bland’s heroic conduct is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.