The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Private First Class Charles E. Deal (ASN: RA-16262110), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 3 May 1951, near Hoengsong, Korea. On that date he was a mechanic assigned to the 23d Infantry Regiment. At approximately 2200 hours, a loud explosion in the motor pool area was heard, and he ran directly to the motor pool. When he reached the area, Private Deal saw a comrade running around in circles, his clothing ablaze. The injured man ran behind some trucks, and Private Deal immediately caught the man, tripped him, and both men fell to the ground. Immediately Private Deal, disregarding his personal safety, removed his jacket and started smothering the flames. The heroism of Private Deal in courageously saving the life of a comrade reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.