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 Leslie J. Ponder (ASN: 35695757), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the *** Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action on 11 December 1944, in France. When a truck of his ammunition section, loaded with ammunition, caught fire, Sergeant Ponder, voluntarily and at the risk of his own life and personal safety, crawled beneath the blazing truck and single-handedly extinguished the fire. The courage and quick thinking of Sergeant Ponder saved the lives of his companions and much valuable government property as well. The cool-headedness of Sergeant Ponder, his initiative, and utter disregard for personal safety, reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.