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 (Infantry) Kenneth R. Johnston, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy heroism on 8 August 1966 while participating in a fire fighting mission to which his unit was assigned in the Yukon Command maneuver area. At the time of the incident the fire had destroyed approximately 10,000 acres and was rapidly advancing as a result of a tinder dry conditions of the muskeg, the unexpected rise of the wind to 25 knots with gusts to 35 knots. Further complicating any firefighting operations was the terrain which is characterized by very steep, rocky slopes covered with muskeg, dwarf pine and scrub timber which, when burned, creates a huge amount of dense smoke and sparks. The executive officer radioed Captain Johnson that he did not proceed further due to the intense ground smoke and heat. Upon receiving this information from his executive officer, Captain Johnston and his driver unhesitatingly moved forward on their own M-113 to assist the endangered executive and his crew. Captain Johnston directed his executive officer to follow his vehicle out of the danger area. During a slight delay when the executive officer stopped his vehicle to dump a barrel of diesel fuel, visual sight and communications were lost. After approximately two minutes Captain Johnson dismounted his vehicle, ignoring the possibility of smoke asphyxiation or destruction and attempted to climb back up the steep slope to find his lost unit. However the heat and smoke were too intense; the gases and fumes would not allow him to breathe and he was forced to turn back. After Captain Johnston returned to his vehicle, he and his driver retraced their path and located the executive officer’s vehicle overturned and resting upside down on the hillside. The fire had already passed the vehicle. Upon arriving Captain Johnston opened the rear hatch and found the executive officer almost overcome by smoke asphyxiation and the RTO badly burned, suffering second and third degree burns over 42% of the body. Captain Johnston immediately rendered first aid and, with the assistance of his driver, evacuated the injured man to his own personal carrier. Although he sustained burns of the face and smoke inhalation, his brave effort in rescuing members of his unit from near disaster was the contributing factor in saving their lives. Captain Johnston’s heroic conduct, prompt action and deep concern for others are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.