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 William J. Hamer (ASN: RA-52560058), United States Army, for heroism by valorous actions on 31 August 1967, while serving as the commander of an Armored Personnel Carrier in Troop K, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, charged with the mission of picking up a night ambush patrol. After making a rendezvous with the patrol, the Armored Personnel Carriers were proceeding along National Highway 2 when Sergeant Hamer’s vehicle detonated an enemy anti-tank mine. The force of the shattering blast hurled Sergeant Hamer nearly 30 meters, wounding him painfully. Reacting immediately, Sergeant Hamer disregarded the agonizing pain of his wounds in order to rush back to his vehicle, which was burning furiously. In complete disregard for his own safety, he entered the vehicle three times in order to rescue the wounded occupants. Seconds after the last man was pulled to safety, the Armored Personnel Carrier exploded. His decisive action prevented the imminent deaths of three soldiers. Sergeant Hamer’s courage and selflessness are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.