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 Master Sergeant John F. Kelly, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Croeffelbach, Germany, on 26 April 1956. During the return of the battery from a rifle range a vehicle carrying 22 men went out of control and overturned at the bottom of a ravine, killing six and trapping the others under approximately 10 tons of truck and equipment. When winches of other vehicles failed to raise the truck, Sergeant Kelly collected all available jacks and directed the elevation of the vehicle. Despite the fact that the truck slipped off the jacks and was finally raised to precarious position Sergeant Kelly disregarded his own safety and crawled under the vehicle several times to administer first aid, release men from pinned positions, and direct other rescue efforts. The operation was made additionally hazardous by the fact that the area was soaked with approximately 500 gallons of gasoline. Sergeant Kelly’s leadership, initiative, and courage reflect great credit on himself and the military service.