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 Tommie L. Purifie, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving as a member of Airfield Company, United States Army Aviation Center Troop Brigade (Provisional), United States Army Aviation Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama, on 8 June 1965, at Lowe Army Airfield, Fort Rucker. Specialist Purifie was engaged in normal duties when a tanker containing 7,000 gallons of high octane aviation gasoline approach the petroleum, oils, and lubricants storage tank area with smoke coming from the right rear wheels. Without hesitation or concern for his own safety, he obtained a fire extinguisher, crawled beneath the tanker, and fought the fire until it was extinguished. Through his courage, he participated in a hazardous action which prevented possible loss of life and an explosion of the tanker as well as a more serious fire in the petroleum, oils, and lubricant storage area. Specialist Purifie’s heroic conduct and prompt action in this emergency situation are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.