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 Sergeant First Class Ralph Garcia (ASN: RA-25971042), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in the saving of human life in La Paz, Bolivia, on 29 June 1968. Returning to his quarters with his wife and another couple, Sergeant Garcia encountered a blazing automobile in which the driver and front seat passenger were trapped and burning. Bystanders were too frightened or confused to act. Ignoring warnings, Sergeant Garcia with complete disregard for his own safety, approach the flaming wreckage and discovered a passenger in the rear of the automobile. Failing to gain access to the automobile from the safest area, Sergeant Garcia entered into a confined space between the wreckage and a solid retaining wall and managed to gain access. Thoughtless of the position of extreme danger into which he had placed himself, Sergeant Garcia managed to affect the rescue of a surviving victim and initiate her evacuation. Sergeant Garcia’s actions are in the highest traditions of self-sacrifice and humanity and reflect highest credit upon himself, his training as a United States soldier, and the United States of America.