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 Sergeant Leonard A. Shallow, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving as a Senior Chemical Instructor on the Flame Thrower Range at Fort Dix, New Jersey, on 7 November 1957. While instructing an Advanced Infantry Basic Trainee to fire live thickened fuel from a Portable Flame Thrower on Range 4, Sergeant Shallow was faced with a sudden crisis which demanded immediate and spontaneous action to avert possible loss of life or serious injury to several trainees, as well as serious injury to others. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he wrested a Portable Flame Thrower from the hands of a trainee who had become panic stricken while firing the weapon. The heat from the burning thickened fuel had become extremely intense when a valve had failed to close, allowing the gun to continue to fire. The trainee, bearing the Flame Thrower Tank Group on his back, started to turn and run from the firing line, while the gun continued to eject burning fuel. Sergeant Shallow grabbed the flaming gun, keeping it pointed down range, and wrestled the trainee to the ground. During this action Sergeant Shallow received second degree burns on his hands and legs, but prevented possible injury to any other personnel. Sergeant Shallow’s display a prompt and courageous action, presence of mind and quick thinking by risking his life in this extremely dangerous situation reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.