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 Private First Class Jimmie D. McMillan, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery C, 551st, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Missile Battalion, at El Monte, California, on 21 December 1954. A civilian dwelling located approximately 200 yards from the Battery Administrative Area caught fire and it was obvious that the building could not be saved. Upon hearing hysterical cries of a mother that her small child was inside the burning building, Private McMillan rushed to the door and on the second attempted smashed it open and entered the smoke-filled room to search for the child. Finding no child inside he left the building and shouted to observers that no child was inside. By this time the house was almost completely engulfed in flame and on the verge of collapse. Despite the danger, Private McMillan, upon learning that the child might still be inside, entered the building the second time but could not find the child so he left the building which collapsed several minutes later. It was later learned that the child had been removed to the home of a neighbor before the fire got out of control. The prompt and courageous action of Private McMillan reflects the highest credit on himself and the military service.