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 First Class Ralph A. Lockhart (ASN: 20515704), United States Army, for heroism while serving with the 37th Infantry Division at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 8 March 1945. Private Lockhart and a comrade were riding in the cab of a truck when a powder container exploded, setting fire to a load of 155-mm. howitzer ammunition in the truck. Although four men on the rear of the truck were injured, all personnel except one man, who was seriously injured and unconscious, were able to jump to the street and take cover. Private Lockhart and his comrade, disregarding the great danger, climbed upon the body of the burning vehicle, lowered the injured man to the ground and carried him to a sheltered position. Private Lockhart then drove the blazing vehicle away from an adjacent gasoline dump, which was threatened by the flames, and his comrade procured a fire extinguisher and some water which enabled the two men to extinguish the fire before further damage was done. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.