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 Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Cleary, III, United States Army, for heroism above and beyond the call of duty on 11 September 2001, after a hijacked airline flight, with over 30,000 pounds of jet fuel was used by international terrorists as a weapon to attack the Pentagon. Upon impact there was a thunderous explosion and a horrific fire that killed scores of military and civilian personnel, injured hundreds of others, and left most everyone in a state of shock. Without regard for his own life, and overcoming the shock, chaos, and deadly smoke, Lieutenant Colonel Cleary aided in the rescue effort by reentering the fourth corridor and helping two badly burned individuals from the area engulfed with fire and smoke. He then stripped his shirt off and, after soaking it, used it as a breathing filter to reenter the fifth corridor building. The team immediately encountered and then helped to safety an individual suffering from severe smoke inhalation. Lieutenant Colonel Cleary risked his life by remaining in the building and rendering assistance to the disoriented and injured personnel as they attempted to evacuate the building. His unyielding devotion to his fellow soldiers and civilians undoubtedly saved lives and showed America’s resolve to overcome this act of international terrorism. Lieutenant Colonel Cleary’s heroic acts are a testament to his bravery and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army.