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 Staff Sergeant Ted L. Owens (ASN: RA-24995587), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy when he saved the life of a fishing accident victim in the treacherous waters of the Occoquan River, Woodbridge, Virginia. At approximately 1430 hours on the afternoon of 5 May 1968, Sergeant Owens was fishing when he heard cries for help. Running toward the cries and observing that the individuals who work at the immediate scene were making no effort to save the drowning youth, Sergeant Owens, showing utter disregard for his own personal safety, plunged into the turbulent river and swam to where he last saw the victim. He was forced to dive under, fight the current, find the helpless youth, and then struggled back to the safety of the pier. This heroic act averted certain tragedy and reflects greatest credit upon himself and the United States Army.