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 Robert Coates (ASN: ER-35388543), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Company A, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 18 March 1953, in the vicinity of Yong Jong, North Korea. On that date, at approximately 2030 hours, a detail of men, working in an ammunition dump, were loading 76-mm. ammunition aboard a truck. Suddenly a round exploded, setting the ammunition containers on the partially loaded truck ablaze. Sergeant Coates, one of the first to answer the alarm, helped to direct another truck from the perilous area, then realizing the imminent danger of further explosions and disregarding his personal safety, dashed through the flames and drove the blazing vehicle from the endangered ammunition dump. Moving to the rear of the truck, he began assisting two comrades in extinguishing the flames and dispersing the hot and smoking shell containers. His accurate estimate of the situation, quick actions and selfless devotion to duty prevented further damage to the vitally needed ammunition and undoubtedly saved several men from injury or possible death. The heroic actions of Sergeant Coates reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.