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 Sergeant Billy J. Bailey, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 545th Military Police Company, 1st Cavalry Division, in Sendai, Japan, on 5 January 1955. While directing and controlling spectator traffic during the progress of a large fire in one of the city’s business districts, Sergeant Bailey recognized the cries of children which he believed to be emanating from one of the burning buildings. Accompanied by another military policeman, he dashed up to the structure, by now completely enshrouded in flame and billowing smoke, and broke down a locked door. They entered and quickly located two small, panic-stricken Japanese children whom they promptly delivered to safety. Sergeant Bailey’s conspicuous courage and total disregard for the desperate risk involved in the performance of this heroic act reflects great credit on himself and the military service.