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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Samuel D. Dauer (ASN: 0-5424444), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed hostile force on 9 December 1967 while serving with Battery I (Searchlight), 29th Artillery, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Lieutenant Dauer was serving at Fire Support Base GRANT when a fire broke out in the tall elephant grass during airlift operations. The Blaze was fanned to a roaring inferno by the rotor wash created by an incoming helicopter, resulting in extensive equipment damage almost immediately. The ammunition dump was then ignited by the rapidly spreading fire, hurling shrapnel throughout the area. Lieutenant Dauer quickly surveyed the situation and with complete disregard for his own safety, entered the most hazardous area of the fire to direct personnel to safety and evacuate equipment. With intense determination and dedication, he labored to accomplish his mission, and on one occasion, drove a blazing truck out of the danger area. Upon reaching a secure area, he dismounted from the vehicle and personally extinguished the fire. He then immediately raced back into the holocaust to evacuate the remaining equipment and insure that all personnel were out of the area. His exemplary courage and tireless efforts contributed significantly to saving valuable government equipment an the lives of many United States soldiers. First Lieutenant Dauer’s personal bravery was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.