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 First Lieutenant (Signal Corps) Raoul G. Balcaen (ASN: 0-1633462), United States Army, for heroism on 26 December 1943, at Naples, Italy. After Several fires and explosions at the Fontinella Caves, Naples, had placed considerable Signal Supplies in jeopardy, an additional violent explosion occurred. In the face of the fact that there was considerable danger of the cave collapsing and that visibility inside was impossible because of dust caused by the explosion, First Lieutenant Balcaen disregarded the extreme personal danger involved and entered the cave to determine the well being of a fellow officer who was making an inspection of prior damage to the cave. First Lieutenant Balcaen found this officer slightly dazed and headed in the opposite direction from the entrance. By his courageous action and utter selflessness, First Lieutenant Balcaen maintained the highest traditions of the military service.