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 Technician Fifth Grade Alexander P. Pleva, Jr. (ASN: 32627873), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the *** Tank Destroyer Battalion, XII Corps, in action on 22 September 1944 in France. When a tank destroyer vehicle caught on fire and two members of the crew were injured, Technician Fifth Grade Pleva ran approximately 150 yards to another vehicle getting a fire extinguisher and returned to the burning vehicle. The vehicle contained about 40 rounds of high explosive and armor piercing ammunition and 150 gallons of gasoline. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and disregarding the warnings of personnel standing in the vicinity of the burning vehicle, Technician Fifth Grade Pleva climbed on the burning vehicle and materially assisted in extinguishing the flames. As a result of Technician Fifth Grade Pleva’s courageous action a tank destroyer vehicle was saved from complete loss. The courage of Technician Fifth Grade Pleva reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.