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 Staff Sergeant Earl Brooks (ASN: RA-53245085), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Brooks distinguished himself by valorous actions on 13 February 1968, while serving as a Tank Commander with Company M, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, on a combat mission near Long Binh, Vietnam. His tank was establishing security around a landing zone when a grass fire broke out and threatened to engulf the perimeter. Disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Brooks directed his tank to the edge of the blaze and began to run his vehicle back and forth over the burning grass in an attempt to extinguish the flames. When oil in the vehicle’s engine compartment ignited, Sergeant Brooks immediately moved to extinguish the new blaze. Dismounting, he then took the fire extinguished and began fighting the grass fire by hand. Suddenly, grass beneath the tank caught fire. The driver was unable to start the vehicle. Ordering the man out of the driver’s compartment before any explosions occurred, Sergeant Brooks courageously mounted the hazardous tank, succeeded in starting the engine and drove the tank to safety, thereby saving the lives of numerous men who were busy fighting the grass fire. Staff Sergeant Brook’s heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.