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 Staff Sergeant Loyd D. Chappell, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Company, United States Army Hospital, Fort Jackson, South Carolina on 26 July 1965, near Colombia, South Carolina. Staff Sergeant Chappell was conducting personal business in a civilian agency when he heard a loud noise and then saw a flaming truck, loaded with lumber, skidding along the highway in an upturned position. He rushed to the scene of the accident and, with complete disregard for his own safety, forced his way into the blazing vehicle and assisted the helpless driver to a place of safety. After administering professional first aid to the driver, Staff Sergeant Chappell returned to the wrecked vehicle to make certain that there were no other occupants in it. Although he modestly departed from the scene without identifying himself, he was later identified in police reports as the person who participated in this courageous rescue effort. Staff Sergeant Chappell’s prompt and heroic action in this emergency is in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army