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 Leonard W. Bogenpohl (ASN: NG-27576784), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 138th Infantry, Missouri Army National Guard, while conducting live firing with a flame thrower at Fort Riley, Kansas, 15 June 1967. Sergeant Bogenpohl was firing the flame thrower when it malfunctioned and continued to fire after the normal ten second time limit. Sergeant Bogenpohl immediately alerted other personnel in close proximity and moved down range with the out-of-control flame thrower, at the same time sustaining second and third degree burns. Sergeant Bogenpohl continued to hold on to the flame thrower to keep it from injuring other personnel for approximately sixty-nine seconds until the flame was extinguished. Undoubtedly several lives and serous injury to numerous other personnel were prevented by the quick thinking and heroic actions of Sergeant Bogenpohl. Sergeant Bogenpohl’s heroic action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the National Guard and the United States Army.