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 Captain (Infantry) Walter J. Bryden, United States Army, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with the 109th Infantry, Pennsylvania National Guard, 10 June 1929, during a fire at a gasoline station located at Eighth and River Streets, Carbondale, Pennsylvania. An electric spark ignited the fumes from an open gasoline tank, setting fire to gasoline that was on the ground. Captain Bryden, who was on duty in the armory, upon noticing the fire together with another, rushed across the street with fire extinguishers and, disregarding his own danger, succeeded in extinguishing the flames, which prevented the fire from reaching the open tank, thereby preventing less to adjoining property owners and possible injury to nearby residents and passers-by. The heroism displayed by Captain Bryden reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.