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 [then Private First Class] Tom E. Horne, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Battery, 6th Missiles Battalion, 517th Artillery, United States Forces, Europe, on 19 August 1964, at a United States Army General Depot in Germany. Specialist Horne and eight other soldiers were in a scullery room of a mess hall when a hot water line broke, spraying boiling water and preventing the men from escaping through the exit. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Horne unhesitatingly crawled under the steaming hot spray and, despite the intense pain from severe burns on his body, succeeded in reaching a shut-off valve and turning off the water. His perseverance and courageous action in this dangerous situation prevented possible serious injury to his fellow soldiers. Specialist Horne’s heroic conduct 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 the award of the Army Commendation Medal to Specialist Horne for meritorious achievement on 19 August 1964 as announced in General Orders Number 13, Headquarters, Seventh Army APO U.S. Forces 09046, dated 11 March 1965.]