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 Master Sergeant Paul M. Mitchell, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters, United States Army, Alaska (Enlisted), Fort Richardson, on 29 May 1959. While fishing from the bank of the Anchor River near Anchor Point, Alaska, Sergeant Mitchell observed a 4-year-old boy fall from a large boulder on the bank near him into the cold, swift waters of a dangerous stretch of rapids containing many huge boulders, rock formations, and deep holes. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Mitchell, fully clothed and wearing waders plunged immediately into the racing river swollen from the spring runoff of melting snow and ice. When the strong currents swept him off his feet and swamped his waders as he reached the boy, he managed to clutch the child just as they both went under. Weighted down with his water filled waders and the boy, Sergeant Mitchell struggled over and through the slippery boulders in the waist deep icy water of the raging stream, worked his way to the bank, laid the small boy over a large boulder and administered artificial respiration until he regained consciousness. The presence of mind, immediate and courageous action displayed by Sergeant Mitchell in unselfishly risking his life in this emergency saved the child from certain drowning, and reflect distinct credit upon himself in the military service.