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 Colonel (Field Artillery) [then First Lieutenant] Albert E. Cotter, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy heroism while serving as a member of Battery B, 838 Anti-aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion (Mobile), in Leone, France, on 26 August 1945. Colonel Cotter was on garrison duty in the proximity of a garage when he heard screams and saw a mechanic, who had been cleaning a truck engine, run from the motor shed with his head and clothing aflame. With complete disregard for his own safety, Colonel Cotter caught the soldier, threw him to the ground, and smothered the flames with his own body. He then continued to demonstrate his deep concern for his fellow man by directing the evacuation of the victim to a local hospital unit for treatment. Colonel Cotter’s heroic conduct in this emergency is in the highest traditions of United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.