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 Corporal Luther Veal, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Service Battery, 229th Field Artillery Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, during a practice alert near Bonfeld, Germany, on 8 May 1953. While driving an ammunition truck to the battalion alert assembly area, the ammunition trailer, which was loaded with trip flares and antipersonnel mines, burst into flames. Realizing the 105-mm howitzer ammunition in the truck was in danger, Corporal Veal, without hesitation and with disregard for his safety, approached the flaming trailer and disconnected it from the truck. He then moved the truck to a safe position. Through his alert and decisive action, Corporal Veal prevented possible loss of lives and destruction of civil and Government property, and his prompt and courageous action reflects great credit on himself and the military service.