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 Roy G. Spears, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the Engineer Detachment, 6006th Area Service Unit (POC), on 26 May 1949, at the scene of an electric power failure in the Army Central Electrical Sub-Station, Fort Lewis, Washington. Sergeant Spears rescued Mr. Ben Chanslor (civilian) who, in the performance of his duties, “threw in” one of the electric oil switches. Upon closing the circuit, an explosion followed, spraying hot gases, hot oil, and flame on Mr. Chanslor, knocking him to the floor, and enveloping the entire sub-station. With total disregard for personal safety, Sergeant Spears rushed in before the flames and explosion had subsided, grabbed Mr. Chanslor’s arm with one hand, and dragged him to safety while beating the flames out of his hair with the other bare hand. Upon getting Mr. Chanslor clear, Sergeant Spears tore Mr. Chanslor’s burning clothes off with his bare hands. During the process of removing Mr. Chanslor, Sergeant Spears received serious burns which he ignored until assistance arrived. Because of Sergeant Spears’ heroic action, Mr. Chanslor was saved from permanent injury or possible death.