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 David A. Dunaway, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Fort Wainwright, Alaska on 27 April 1971. On that date, Specialist Dunaway, while assigned to the Fort Wainwright Fire Department, responded to a fire alarm in an eight family apartment building. When Specialist Dunaway arrived at the scene of the fire, he was informed that a child was trapped in the burning apartment. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Dunaway donned his protective breathing apparatus and, without waiting for hoses to be laid, dashed through the back door of the smoke-filled, extremely low apartment to attempt rescue of the child. Specialist Dunaway proceeded upstairs and searched two-bedrooms before the intense heat and smoke almost overpowered him. He was unable to locate the child. Seeking to escape, he returned to the first floor of the apartment. By this time his breathing apparatus had malfunctioned due to extreme heat. Specialist Dunaway was then caught in an unexpected back flash, and his protective clothing ignited. He escaped through the back door when another firefighter entered with a hose. Specialist Dunaway was taken to Bassett Army Hospital, where it was announced he was in critical condition and he was treated for first, second, and third degree burns on the face and hands. His courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man reflected great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.