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 Joseph D. Nation, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company (Provisional), Fort Chaffee, Arkansas on 29 June 1981. Upon observing a serious automobile accident on Arkansas State Highway 59, Sergeant Nation immediately stopped his car and ran to the burning vehicle. Without regard for his personal safety, he pulled a young girl from the vehicle and moved her a safe distance from the car. He then returned to the car to help free the girl’s mother. When the woman attempted to return to the burning car to retrieve her purse, Sergeant Nation, knowing that the car could explode at any time, restrained her and risked his life a third time to retrieve the purse from the car. Seconds after he obtained the purse, the car exploded scattering debris over a wide area. Sergeant Nation protected the individuals from the flying debris by pressing his body against theirs to form a human shield. Sergeant Nation remained at the scene of the accident providing first aid, comfort, and assistance until the arrival of the Arkansas State Police. His outstanding and immediate action, at risk of his own life, resulted in saving the lives of both women. His ability to act courageously in the face of grave danger while others stood aimlessly by was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.