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 First Class Gary L. Surrency, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. On 21 July 1978, while eating lunch near Fort Jackson, Sergeant First Class Surrency witnessed smoke coming out of a window of a mobile home across the street. He acted with complete disregard for his own personal safety, running towards the burning mobile home in order to pull anyone inside to safety. Sergeant First Class Surrency broke the door down with a stone and entered the burning domicile. He located a sleeping infant child and successfully evacuated the child before any harm was done. Immediately after he made it back outside, the entire mobile home collapsed. Sergeant First Class Surrency ensured the safety of this child through his courageous deeds. Sergeant First Class Surrency displayed bold initiative, selflessness, and courage in putting his own life at risk in order to protect another, serving as an example for all Soldiers to follow. Sergeant First Class Surrency’s heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.