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] James W. Salaga, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while saving the life of a traffic accident victim by rescuing him from a burning automobile with complete disregard for his own personal safety. At approximately 0200 hours on 15 May 1967, Specialist Salaga, along with two companions, observed in automobile strike a bridge abutment and bursts into flames. Specialist Salaga, ignoring the intense heat, rushed at the flaming vehicle and attempted to remove the driver. Finding that the driver was trapped between the seat and the door, Specialist Salaga labored to free the unconscious man. After several attempts, he was able to do so. Specialist Salaga then carried him to safety, administered first aid and offered comfort to the injured man while awaiting the arrival of medical help. Specialist Salaga received a letter of commendation from the North Carolina State Police Department commending him for his heroic actions. Specialist Salaga’s exceptional courage and ability to act in a quick decisive manner reflect the great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. [This award supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal for heroism on 15 May 1967 as announced in General Orders Number 127, Headquarters, United States Army, John F. Kennedy Center for Special Warfare (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina, dated 9 October 1967.]