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 Robert C. Noel` (ASN: 15317022), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the *** Medical Collection Company, XII Corps, on 11 February 1945, in Germany. On this date Private First Class Noel, on temporary duty with the *** Medical Battalion, was in a captured German Pillbox known as No. 3. At this time the ten by ten room was quite crowded with Infantry personnel. Captain Jones was filling a gasoline lantern with gasoline from a K-ration box, when a burning candle on the table set fire to the gasoline. Captain Jones dropped the box and this set fire to his gasoline soaked hands and clothing in such a manner that he was described as a ball of fire. This caused a stampede of everyone from the pillbox except Captain Jones, Private First Class Neal, and Lieutenant Pyle, the latter sleeping in an upper bunk. Captain Jones fell to the floor and the rush of men to get to the outside knocked down Private First Class Noel, but he quickly recovered himself and grabbed an overcoat and smothered the flames on Captain Jones. Lieutenant Pyle, in the meantime, had smothered the fire about the gasoline can. Competent medical authorities concurred that the quick thinking and prompt action on the part of Private First Class Neal undoubtedly saved the life of Captain Jones, who suffered extensive second degree burns of the face and both arms. The utter disregard for personal safety and heroism displayed by Private First Class Neal reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.