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 [then Private] Claude E. Thomas, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery C, 801st Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion (90-mm Gun), at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, D. C., on 18 July 1956. Having reported to fight a fire which had broken out in the Battery C supply room in the early morning hours, Private Thomas immediately began battling the blaze. When it became apparent that the fire could not be brought under control, Private Thomas, together with a fellow soldier, commenced to remove small arms and ammunition from the burning building. Private Thomas continued his efforts until he was overcome by the intense heat and smoke and had to be carried out. Private Thomas’ dauntless courage and prompt action prevented serious injury or possible death to other individuals and averted extensive property damage, reflecting great credit on himself and the military service