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 Elbert S. Burkes, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery C 6th Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX), 6th Artillery Regiment, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on 22 August 1958. Observing smoke and flames emanating from the top floor of a two and one-half story frame dwelling, Private Burkes immediately rushed across the street to a neighboring house, aroused the occupants and instructed them to summon the fire department. Without hesitation or concern for his own personal safety, he entered the flaming building, awoke two occupants on the first floor and proceeded to the second floor where he found a bedridden woman, wrapped her in his coat and carried her to safety. Despite the flames, smoke and intense heat, he entered the burning building four times and evacuated six persons, bringing from the second floor on his third trip a man unable to walk. Private Burkes’ prompt and courageous action in the face of great danger reflects just think credit upon himself and the military service.