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 [then Corporal] Cloyd M. Claar, United States Air Force, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 20 September 1947, at Boca Raton Army Air Field, Florida. When his servicing unit was transferring gasoline from a tank truck to supply drums, the gasoline ignited, set fire to the area and enveloped a soldier in flames. With total disregard for his safety, Sergeant Claar rushed to his comrade, smothered the fire, and dragged him to safety. Seizing a knife, he then cut the gas hose, jumped into the truck, and drove it from the area. The quick thinking and courageous actions of Corporal Claar were highly commendable.