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 [then Corporal] Frank DeBoer, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of 77th Special Forces Group (Airborne), near Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 23 March 1953. While on an operational training parachute jump in the Pisgah National forest, he observed a comrade had water-landed in a river with full equipment and inflated parachute and was experiencing considerable difficulty because of the weight of his equipment and the force of the water. Sergeant DeBoer, landing in a tree on the bank of the stream, removed his equipment and parachute and plunged into the icy water, and although a poor swimmer, went to the aid of his comrade. He successfully rescued the soldier and brought him safely to shore. Sergeant DeBoer’s prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved the life of his comrade and reflects distinct credit on himself and the military service.