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 Sergeant Melvin E. Oiler (ASN: RA-15012016), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Heavy Mortar Company, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action in Korea. On 6 September 1951, Sergeant Oiler, a forward observer, had returned to his platoon command post, near Chorwon, Korea, after completing a mission at a patrol base on Hill 266. The platoon was firing on distant enemy positions at the time and a spark from a burned powder increment caused a flash explosion in the number two gun pit, setting the clothes of one of the men on fire. Running quickly to the emplacement, Sergeant Oiler lifted the hapless soldier from the position and wrapping him in a blanket, extinguished the flames. After leaving the soldier in the care of a medical aidman, Sergeant Oiler returned to the gun pit, and disregarding the danger that the ammunition might explode, removed what had not been burned from the danger area. Sergeant Oiler’s decisive action and heroism reflect high credit upon himself and the military service.