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) Robert A. Elrod (ASN: 0-5431113), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed hostile force. First Lieutenant Elrod distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 January 1969, while serving as a forward observer with Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Armor, on a search and destroy mission in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Elrod distinguished himself in an effort to save the crewmembers of a burning armored personnel carrier which hit an anti-tank mine. After crossing a deep creek bed the armored personnel carrier struck the anti-tank mine causing the vehicle to explode and burst into flames. With complete disregard for his own safety Lieutenant Elrod dismounted the tank on which he was riding and rushed to the aid of the wounded crewmembers of the burning vehicle. The initial explosion had caused the vehicle’s fuel tank to rupture and ignite causing a large amount of machine-gun and mortar ammunition to explode before Lieutenant Elrod could reach the burning vehicle. In spite of the intense fire and exploding ammunition Lieutenant Elrod attempted to extinguish the flames. When the attempt to extinguish the fire had failed, Lieutenant Elrod began to evacuate the wounded crewmen from the vicinity of the burning vehicle for medical aid. Lieutenant Elrod discovered that one crewman was missing after the explosion. He began a thorough search of the creek bed and observed the hand of a crewmember protruding from the water. Pulling the wounded soldier from the water and dragging him to solid ground Lieutenant Elrod insured that medical aid was immediately administered. Lieutenant Elrod supervised the administration of first aid and did all that was possible to comfort the wounded crewmen. Lieutenant Elrod’s heroism action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.