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 Major (Field Artillery) Gary T. Meagher (ASN: 0-4010166), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in the saving of an injured and trapped man from a smashed in, burning automobile. At approximately 0745 hours, 11 May 1968, Major Meagher was traveling north on Highway 101, between Novato and Santa Rosa, California, when he observed a Volkswagen, caught in a sudden strong gust of wind, go out of control and roll off the road and down an embankment, coming to rest upside down. Fuel and oil, spilled around the vehicle, ignited and began burning as Major Meagher stopped to render assistance. Recognizing the immediate danger to the man inside the car, Major Meagher began throwing loose dirt on the flames to extinguish the fire. At this time, another motorist pulled up and the two of them found it impossible to put the fire out. Fully aware of the responsibility he was assuming, Major Meagher decided that the imminent danger of incineration and suffocation that faced the injured and trapped man warranted his immediate removal to a place of safety. Unable to open the jammed doors of the car, Major Meagher crawled through the jagged opening of the shattered rear window. Gently, he lifted and turned the man until he could slip him through the narrow opening. In his concern for the unconscious injured man, Major Meagher ignored the personal pain and danger he was risking. Suffering multiple lacerations of the face and hands, he nevertheless successfully extracted the badly injured and helpless man, undoubtedly saving his life. Major Meagher’s cool courage and exemplary valor have brought great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.