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 Sergeant James J. Jestude, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States on 30 March 1945 in Kaiserlauten, Germany. First Sergeant Jestude observed a soldier with his clothing on fire running down a hallway in his barracks. With disregard for his own safety, First Sergeant Jestude threw the man to the floor and extinguished the blaze with several blankets. His prompt action and courage were responsible for saving the soldier’s life.