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 Private E. Vylmer Cook, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with at Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944, while a member of the 104th Engineer Combat Battalion. When enemy bombs set fire to a large ammunition and fuel dump, Private Cook, at the risk of his life, immediately ran into the danger area and directly assisted in controlling and preventing the blazing inferno from spreading to other dumps. In the midst of exploding artillery and small arms ammunition, terrific heat, and flying shell fragments, he assisted in evacuating casualties and removing valuable equipment without regard for his own safety. The heroism displayed by Private Cook on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.