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 Charles D. Baca, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy during the early morning hours of 8 December 1968. While sitting in a small restaurant in Denver, Colorado, Private Baca, his brother and a companion noticed in altercation involving another patron and a gun wielding assailant. After the assailant first struck and then shot twice at the patron, Private Baca and his brother moved toward the gunmen at great personal risk and with disregard for their own safety in order to protect the victim. In doing so they diverted the gunmen’s attention, certainly saving the life of the assailant’s intended victim, but they became targets of the gunman. Private Baca was wounded in the chest once, his brother twice; yet, in the face of his wounds and the obvious danger, Private Baca grappled with the gunman and disarmed him. The assailant escaped and ran into the street. Private Baca, along with the other customers and witnesses, chased him until he was caught and subdued. Private Baca then collapsed from his wound. Private Baca’s unhesitating willingness to come to the aid of another is in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects distinct credit upon him, his unit and the United States Army.