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 Captain (Corps of Engineers) Michael R. Foster, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Fort Greely, Alaska on 26 March 1970. On that date Captain Foster, assigned as Post Fire Marshall, responded to a fire alarm in an eight-family apartment building. When Captain Foster arrived at the scene of the fire, he was informed that two little girls, age 5 and 7, were trapped in the burning building. Two firemen wearing self-contained breathing apparatus had attempted to gain entry, but were driven back by the flames and the intense heat. Captain Foster donned a breathing apparatus and mounted a ladder to the upstairs back bedroom window. When he broke the glass of the window, flames and black smoke belched out, driving him from the ladder. Captain Foster immediately ran around the building to the front of the apartment, where the father of one of the children and a fireman were attempting to enter the building. They were unable to do so because of the intense heat and then smoke. Captain Foster and a fireman climbed the ladder and entered the apartment in spite of the heat and smoke. Captain Foster, finding that his breathing apparatus at a leak, removed the mask. Unable to see because of the smoke, Captain Foster and the firemen searched the bedrooms by touch until Captain Foster found one of the little girls unconscious and carried her to the window where firemen passed her down the ladder to waiting medical personnel. Captain Foster had seen a person lying on the floor as he carried the first child to the window. He returned to that location and found the second child and the firemen lying on the floor where he had collapsed, unable to continue after finding the second child unconscious in a large toy chest. Captain Foster partially revived the fireman and together they carried the remaining girl to the window and passed her to waiting medical personnel. The fireman descended the ladder on instruction from Captain Foster who, although assured that no one else was in the building and almost overcome by the smoke and heat, returned to the interior of the apartment for one last check to ensure that everyone was out of the building. Captain Foster’s unhesitating action and determined efforts at the risk of his own life undoubtedly saved the lives of the two children. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Captain Foster has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.