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 Private Elija Cordova, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States near Desert Center, California, on 18 June 1942. Private Cordova entered a burning tank and removed rounds of ammunition, preventing an explosion. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Private Cordova reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.