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 Master Sergeant [then Technician Fifth Grade] Harold W. Riske (ASN: 36767386), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Service Company, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Mittel Wilden, Germany, on 29 March 1945. When a friendly tank was hit and set afire by an enemy anti-tank gun, Sergeant Riske, realizing the danger of an explosion of ammunition and gasoline, courageously mounted the armored vehicle and fearlessly extinguished the blaze, thereby preventing the loss of valuable material to his organization. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Master Sergeant Riske reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.