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 Mariano J. Larocco, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Vogelweh, Germany on 4 August 1969. On that date Specialist Larocco was a passenger in an automobile which left the highway and caught fire. Specialist Larocco managed to crawl out of the automobile through a gap in the flames. Fearing the flames would soon reach the gasoline tank and that the automobile would explode, Specialist Larocco, without regard for his personal safety, returned to the automobile and aided two of his less seriously injured companions to escape. Continuing to ignore his personal danger, Specialist Larocco approached the automobile twice more and pulled two of the unconscious companions to safety. Returning to the automobile once again, Specialist Larocco went beyond what was expected by him when he entered the flaming wreckage and pulled his remaining unconscious companion to safety. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, and the dedication of his service to this country, Specialist Larocco has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.