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 First Class John T. Wanat (ASN: 6116934), United States Army, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with the Finance Department, 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 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. Private Wanat remained for 2 days on almost continuous duty to the burning district and assisted in placing and in detonating charges of explosives to effect this demolition. Throughout the progress of this work the city was repeatedly shaken with tremors which caused walls and roof tiles to fall, but despite this danger and the danger of placing quantities of explosives to close proximity to the fire. Private Wanat fearlessly continued his work, thereby aiding materially in extinguishing the fire and preventing further loss of life and property.