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 Leslie B. Hopkins (ASN: R-1451179), United States Army, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with Company A, 1st Engineers, wile serving as a member of the detachment of the United States Army Engineer Battalion engaged in relief work in Managua, Nicaragua following the disastrous earthquake and fire that occurred on March 31, 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 Hopkins remained for 2 days on almost continuous duty in the burning district and assisted in placing and detonating the charges to effect the demolition. Throughout the progress of this work the city was repeatedly shaken with tremors with caused walls and roof tiles to fall, but despite this danger and the danger of placing quantities of explosives in close proximity to the fire, Sergeant Hopkins continued his work, thereby aiding materially in extinguishing the fire and preventing further loss of life and property.