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 Robert L. Smith, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy near Fort Benning, Georgia, on 27 April 1969. At approximately 2200 hours, Sergeant Smith and another military policeman were proceeding north on Highway 27. At this time they observed an accident in which one vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed had crashed and burst into flames. Seeing that two men had been thrown from the car and lay in the path of the burning gasoline, Sergeant Smith ran to the aid of the victims. Ignoring his own safety, he courageously, with his bare hands, pulled burning clothing from the body of the victim, while at the same time attempting to beat out the flame. Having rescued the man from any further danger, he rushed to aid another victim who had also been thrown from the vehicle. After ensuring this man’s safety, Sergeant Smith again heroically risk further injury to himself in order to remove a third victim who was still in the wrecked vehicle. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Sergeant Smith has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.