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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert W. Looby, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company M, 129th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Division, during field exercises at Yakima Firing Center, Yakima, Washington, on 14 May 1954. In the early morning hours, a mess truck of his unit suddenly caught fire caused by gasoline accidentally emitting from a M1937 fire unit, seriously injuring and rendering unconscious the cook on duty. Lieutenant Looby immediately rushed to the scene and with other members of the company attempted to remove the injured man. Seeing that the foot of the injured man was lodged between the ice chest and the truck bed, Lieutenant Looby unhesitatingly jumped onto the flame-enveloped vehicle; with his bare hands, he grasped the burning fire unit near the injured soldier, pushed it aside to free the soldiers foot, and assisted in the removal of the unconscious man from the truck. Still in the burning vehicle, Lieutenant Looby then grasped a flaming five-gallon can of gasoline and flung it clear of the vehicle to prevent further injury and damage. Though himself suffering from serious burns, he refused medical aid until the injured cook had been treated and evacuated to a hospital. The prompt and heroic action of Lieutenant Looby is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit on himself and the United States Army.