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 Russell L. Clark (AFSN: AF-14417190), United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life on 28 March 1956, at Cape Canaveral Satellite Air Force Base, Florida. Sergeant Clark, a missile Launcher Technician, was performing last-minute duties in connection with the firing of a Matador missile. At one minute before firing time, Sergeant Clark, the last man allowed on the launcher, disconnected the external fuel line upon signal from the crew chief. With the missile in launch position and the engine running at 60% of its power, the missile fuel shut-off valve failed causing the highly inflammable jet fuel to gush freely at a force of 190 pounds per square inch. Completely blinded, saturated by the fuel and in great pain, Sergeant Clark groped his way along the missile’s fuselage in efforts to re-plug the start fuel line. With complete disregard for his own safety, he persevered until he reattached the external fuel line, thus halting the flow of fuel. Sergeant Clark’s voluntary display of physical courage, devotion to duty, and sound judgment prevented the possible destruction of the missile and launcher and probable serious injury to approximately thirty members of his flight. By his exemplary courage and heroism, Sergeant Clark has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.