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 Captain (Transportation Corps) James W. Rhinehart, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, on the night of 22 February 1957. Captain Reinhart was one of a group of helicopter pilots assigned the mission of rescuing survivors of a C-124 aircraft which crash-landed in the Han River Estuary. In a desperate race against the rapidly rising tide waters and the mounting danger to the survivors from continued exposure to the winter elements he made approximately five flights to the crash site under extremely hazardous conditions to evacuate survivors who were huddled on the sandbar or on ice flows in the river. With practically no illumination he landed his helicopter in as much as 30 inches of freezing water, and on one occasion hovered sideward alongside an ice flow to pick up to survivors. Despite the darkness, density of aircraft in the air, inadequate landing areas at the crash site, and with full awareness that an aircraft failure or misjudgment could result in his death or serious injury, Captain Reinhart resolutely and unhesitatingly performed his duty, thereby contributing immeasurably to the completely successful rescue mission. His unhesitating and courageous action in the face of grave danger, coupled with complete disregard for his own safety, reflects great credit on himself, his unit, and the military service.