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 William O’Connell, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado, on 4 February 1971 in the city of Fall River, Massachusetts. A two-alarm fire broke out in a multiple unit structure at 1184 to 1194 Pleasant Street. Disregarding the danger to his life, Sergeant O’Connell ran into the burning building and alerted the occupants on the second and third floors. Sergeant O’Connell assisted an elderly lady and her three-year-old great-granddaughter to flee from their third-floor apartment minutes before the roof collapsed. His act of outstanding courage reduced the possibility of serious injury and probably saved the lives of the occupants. His heroic performance was in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.