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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ernest J. Pataky (ASN: 0-1925444), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 28 July 1953, in the vicinity of Ansan, North Korea. On that date, at approximately 1555 hours, an explosion occurred in an ammunition dump, inflicting numerous casualties. Lieutenant Pataky, showing complete disregard for personal safety, rushed into the holocaust, and seeming oblivious to the flying shrapnel about him, worked persistently in the area searching for injured men and carrying them to safety and medical attention. Only after he was certain that all the wounded had been safely evacuated did he leave the danger area. His prompt and unhesitating actions in the face of grave danger, undoubtedly saved the lives of many seriously wounded men. Lieutenant Pataky’s courage and devotion to comrades reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.