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 Specialist Fifth Class Ira J. Brown (ASN: RA-17269119), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while saving the life of a fire victim by rescuing him from a burning room with complete disregard for his own personal safety in Junction City, Kansas. At approximately 1630 hours on 3 May 1968 Specialist Brown along with the building manager noticed smoke billowing from under an apartment door. In attempting to enter the apartment the manager was severely cut by glass from the door transom. Specialist Brown then found it necessary to break in the door. He attempted to enter the smoke-filled apartment but was driven back by the dense smoke and intense heat. Ignoring the smoke and intense heat, Specialist Brown then entered the apartment by crawling on the floor until he reached a burning bed on which lay an unconscious and severely burnt man. He grasped the injured man by his legs and dragged him from the burning bed across the floor to safety in the hall. Specialist Brown then administered first aid and what comfort he could to the injured man while awaiting the arrival of medical help. Specialist Brown’s prompt and heroic actions were instrumental in saving the victim’s life and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the United States Army.