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 Captain (Transportation Corps) Loran A. Pace, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters, 8002d Army Service Unit, on 18 May 1951 at Fort Winfield Scott, California. When an extensive fire broke out in the adjoining apartment occupied by another officer, Captain Pace crawled out his upper bedroom window to a porch roof and, without thought of personal danger, attempted to enter the blazing bedroom. Beaten back by intense heat, he wrapped himself in a bedspread and forced his way back into the bedroom. Although nearly blinded by heavy smoke and seared by flame in the room, he located his brother officer’s 5-year-old child and lowered him to safety into the arms of his daughter on the ground below. Searching for two other children trapped in the house, he was forced from the upper floor by intense smoke and flame and was denied entrance through a lower door because of intense heat. Captain Pace suffered serious burns and shock as a result of his heroic rescue, but his prompt and courageous action in saving the life of the child reflects distinct credit on himself and the military service.