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 Eddie Howard, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on 10 May 1970. On that date Specialist Howard, off duty and visiting a neighbor, responded to a plea for help from a woman whose house trailer was flaming and engulfed in smoke. Specialist Howard ran directly to the front door and attempted to recover a man who was still in the front room of the trailer; however, Specialist Howard was overtaken by the heat of the flames in the smoke-filled entrance. He then went directly to the rear door and with another man they succeeded in entering the house trailer. At this time the front room was totally engulfed in smoke and portions of the rug and furniture were now in flames. The two men proceeded to go about an orderly recovery of the trailer’s occupant. Specialist Howard displayed professional competence and skill while handling the man who had succumbed to the smoke. The two men made timely and concise decisions to evacuate the occupant as quickly as possible. Specialist Howard then continued to assist in administering aid to the man, who was in shock, until the ambulance arrived on the scene. Specialist Howard and neighbors then moved the family car down the street to prevent any damage to it from the intense heat. The outstanding manner in which Specialist Howard unhesitatingly and unselfishly helped save a human life provided an extraordinary example of citizenship to the civilian and military communities alike. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Specialist Howard has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.