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 Chief Warrant Officer Donald E. Taylor, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Grafenwoehr, Germany on 10 September 1970. On that date Warrant Officer Taylor voluntarily risked his life to extinguish a fire which had started inside a tank loaded with ammunition. Upon observing a profusely smoking M-60 tank, Warrant Officer Taylor mounted the vehicle with complete disregard for his own safety to determine whether personnel inside were in danger and the extent of the fire. In spite of the heavy volume of smoke, he quickly realized that the fire was an electrical one caused by a violent short in the battery compartment. He observed a crescent wrench connected to the infrared power source directly shorted out against the vehicle batteries and, well knowing the danger which the 16,000 volts of current imposed, successfully kicked the wrench away from the power source. Then, locating the loaders fire extinguisher despite the smoke in the vehicle turret, Warrant Officer Taylor courageously disregarded the danger he knew to be present and overcame the threatening flames. His quick reaction prevented an extensive loss of government equipment and possible injury to personnel in the surrounding range area. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of service to his country, Warrant Officer Taylor has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.