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 Corporal [then Private] Arthur L. Ingalls, United States Army Air Forces, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in saving the lives of his civilian companions after an accident in the China Sea, off the west coast of Bataan, near Nagblaete Point, Philippine Islands, on 9 March 1941. While a group of officers and men were returning from a fishing trip, the banca in which they were riding suddenly overturned, throwing the entire group into the sea about 100 yards off shore in shark and barracuda-infested waters. All helped one another to safety on the overturned banca and, by paddling with their hands, managed to bring the banca within 200 feet off shore, when it was caught in a cross current and gradually drew out to sea. Realizing their danger, Corporal Ingalls and an officer, with utter disregard for their safety, swam ashore and, with great difficulty, reached the Signal Corps Camp in Bataan about 2 hours after the accident. Upon the Signal Corps reporting the accident to Fort Mills, Philippine Islands, a motor launch was immediately dispatched and rescued the remaining members of the group. The heroism displayed by Corporal Ingalls on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.