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 Major (Military Intelligence Corps) Louis D. Leah, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at the scene of an accident which occurred outside a toll gate entrance to Palisades Parkway, New Jersey, on 25 November 1957. While acting as Tour Director with a group of Italian Army Officers visiting United States military installations, the government vehicle in which they were riding was struck in the rear by another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The rear of the government vehicle and the immediate surrounding roadway were immediately engulfed by flames which prevented passersby from reaching the burning automobile and rendering assistance. Major Leah immediately took charge of this situation by attempting to open the two rear doors and left front door which proved futile due to jamming. With assistance from the driver Major Leah managed to open the right front door and assisted the Italian officers bodily from the burning vehicle to safety. Within seconds after Major Leah departed from the burning vehicle the gas tank exploded. The heroic action and unselfish disregard for his own personal safety displayed by Major Leah reflect the utmost credit on himself and the military service.