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) Howard W. Whipple (ASN: 0-1340725), United States Army, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with the enemy while serving with Headquarters Company [then Company L], 3d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 13 February 1953 in the vicinity of Magae-Dong, North Korea. On that date an enemy mortar round struck the ammunition dump of Company L, immediately starting numerous fires in the area. Rushing to the scene, Captain Whipple, upon noticing that a nearby bunker was in flames, entered the inferno and led its occupants to safety. Then, realizing that a disaster was inevitable unless the ammunition was removed from the path of the flames, he began moving the munitions from the area and fighting the fire. Although his gloves were burned off his hands and the danger of ammunition exploding was great, Captain Whipple worked untiringly and remained oblivious of the dangers until the fires were extinguished. Through his courageous actions the lives of many men were undoubtedly saved and a costly loss of ammunition was prevented. The heroic actions and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Whipple reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.