The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Thomas G. Roberts, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 3 may 1948 at Furstenfeldbruck Air Force Base, Germany. As navigator of B-20 Aircraft 2064, which struck a slight rise of ground on take-off and exploded, Lieutenant Roberts chose to go back through the tunnel in an attempt to find Staff Sergeant Garnel C. Lackemy, radio operator, rather than leave the burning airplane by way of the engineer’s escape hatch. Unsuccessful in his attempt, he made his way back to his station only to find all emergency exits blocked. By this time, his clothes were a mass of flame. He tried to open the astrodome, but found the release inoperative; however, by smashing his head against the dome, he finally broke his way out. Lieutenant Roberts, placing all fear of personal safety aside in his heroic effort to rescue Sergeant Lackemy, displayed cool courage, fortitude, and valor, far and above the normal call of duty, which reflect the highest possible credit on him and the United States Air Force.