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 (Ordnance Corps) William S. Ellerman, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company A, 10th Ordinance Battalion, (Special Weapons Support), United States Army, on 19 January 1955 at a Special Weapons Assembly Building, White Sands Proving Ground, New Mexico. When an electrical fire was discovered in a live high explosive rocket warhead, Lieutenant Ellerman took steps to discover and eliminate the cause of the fire. Without regard to personal safety, Lieutenant Ellerman worked to discover the source of the fire, not knowing at what moment the high explosive might detonate. The lack of personal concern in the face of great danger, the outstanding technical ability and presence of mind demonstrated by this young officer has earned him the respect and confidence of his associates. Lieutenant Ellerman’s outstanding performance reflects great credit on himself and is keeping with the high standards of performance in the United States Army.