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 Confessor Cruz (ASN: RA-12347618), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action in Korea. On 19 May 1951, in a regimental rear assembly area near Pungnam-ni, Korea, a sudden fire broke out in a loaded ammunition trailer, greatly endangering the lives of the nearby personnel. Realizing the need for immediate action, Private Cruz grabbed a shovel and, running to the blazing trailer, began throwing dirt to smother the flames. Disregarding the fact that the ammunition might at any moment explode due to the intense heat, he continued to heap dirt on the fire until it was extinguished. This timely action undoubtedly prevented harm from coming to his comrades employed in the area and saved much valuable equipment and ammunition. Private Cruz’s fearless heroism reflects high credit upon himself and the military service.