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 Private First Class James E. Ruskaup (ASN: ER-17757764), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 26 May 1968 by rescuing three injured person from a flaming automobile. Private Ruskaup, while en route to a Reserve meeting, came upon the scene of a multi-vehicle accident near the intersection of Indiana Route 67 and Post Road South near Indianapolis, Indiana. He went immediately to the aid of the passengers in the most seriously damaged automobile. Despite an intense fire which had erupted in the rear of the vehicle, Private Ruskaup and another soldier, at the risk of their own bodily safety, used tire tools to pry open a smashed side door, removed a male and female occupant and a nine-month-old infant from the arms of his mother through a broken rear window, and carried them to positions of safety. Both men then rushed to the assistance of the female passenger who was pinned in the rear seat of the flaming wreckage. Despite resolute efforts to extricate the remaining passenger, the interior of the car was engulfed in flame and smoke, and the men were driven back unable to rescue the female victim. Private Ruskaup rendered first aid and saw to the comfort of the survivors, assisted the less seriously injured passengers in the other automobile, summoned police and emergency vehicles and assisted in traffic control until authorities arrived. Private Ruskaup’s heroic action reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.