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 Staff Sergeant Hubert Bennett (ASN: 6064995), United States Army, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with Headquarters and Service Platoon, 29th Engineer Battalion, while in charge of a detachment of the United States Army Engineer Battalion engaged in relief work in Managua, Nicaragua, following the disastrous earthquake and fire that occurred on 31 March 1931. The water supply having been destroyed, the only means of stopping the fire which was spreading rapidly over the entire city was to demolish the partially standing structures in certain areas. Sergeant Bennett was charged with the placing and detonating of the charges to effect this demolition and remained for 2 days on almost continuous duty in the burning district. Throughout the progress of this work, the city was repeatedly shaken with tremors which caused walls and roof tiles to fall. Disregarding the danger from falling stone and buildings and the further danger of placing quantities of explosives in close proximity to the fire. Sergeant Bennett placed his charges and directed the efforts of his men, thereby aiding materially in extinguishing the fire and preventing further loss of life and property.