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 Joseph E. Bailey, Jr. (ASN: RA-17701177), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Bailey distinguished himself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 December 1967 at Dak To, Republic of Vietnam. On this day at 1600 hours a fire of unknown origin ignited a sling load of 4.2 high explosive mortar ammunition. Several tons of ammunition were located in the immediate area and numerous personnel, aircraft, and supply items were there, awaiting movement to a forward area. Sergeant Bailey, having been notified of the fire which threatened the personnel in the immediate area as well as ammunition and supplies, rushed from the Base Supply Operations tent, secured a jeep and two fire extinguishers from the refueling point nearby and at the risk of his life, moved immediately to the pad where the flames on the ammunition had grown intense. With the assistance of another soldier, he managed to reduce the fire to a temporarily smoldering state after depleting both fire extinguishers. Immediately, he returned to the refuel point to locate additional fire extinguishers and was relieved shortly thereafter by the fire fighting team supporting the Dak To Base Camp. His heroic actions were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.