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 Fourth Class William Bejarano (ASN: US-56398395), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy on 21 December 1966, while serving with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Bejarano was positioned as part of the perimeter defense of a combat base camp at Vo Dat when a nearby armored cavalry assault vehicle caught fire. Specialist Bejarano immediately sprinted seventy-five meters to the burning vehicle where he observed that the clothing of a member of the crew was in flames and he was hysterically running about the area. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his personal safety Specialist Bejarano tackled the soldier and removed his burning clothing. At this time, the intense heat of the burning armored cavalry assault vehicle caused the ammunition to detonate. Despite the danger from the exploding ammunition and flying fragments, Specialist Bejarano courageously carried the badly burned man through the area to a safe distance from the flaming vehicle where he applied first aid until medical personnel arrived. Through his aggressive courage and professional composure Specialist Bejarano was directly responsible for saving the man’s life. Specialist Fourth Class Bejarano’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.