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 James A. 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, on 5 January 1955 in Sendai, Japan. When a dangerous fire broke out in the city of Nigatake on the evening of that day, Corporal Bailey was assisting in handling spectator traffic around the stricken area when he and a comrade heard the cries of two children from within one of the burning buildings. Although the building was completely enveloped in flames and the billowing smoke was suffocating, he and his comrade, without hesitation and with complete disregard for personal safety, broke open a locked door of the building and ran the risk of being trapped and burned to death to find and carry two small Japanese children to safety. Corporal Bailey’s decisive action and exceptional courage in the face of grave danger saved the lives of the two Japanese children, earned the deepest gratitude of the Japanese people, and greatly enhanced the prestige of United States forces. His act of heroism reflects great credit on himself and upholds the esteemed traditions of the military service.