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 (Ordnance Corps) Michael A. Nolan (ASN: 0-2273081), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, California Army National Guard, on 31 July 1962, near Vallejo, California. While traveling on the highway, Captain Nolan witnessed an accident in which a pickup truck pulling a trailer coach went out of control, collided head-on with a passenger vehicle, landed on top of the car, and burst into flames. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Nolan unhesitatingly attempted to rescue five imprisoned victims from the burning wreckage. When he found the door of the passenger car jammed, he broke the window with his bare fist to open it. Despite the intense heat and danger of a gas tank explosion, he bravely carried all of the five injured occupants to safety. Although he sustained cuts and burns during his rescue efforts, he continued to render aid and comfort to the injured until an ambulance arrived. Captain Nolan’s perseverance, initiative, and prompt and heroic actions in this emergency are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit on himself and the military service.