The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Dale E. Jenne, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy during the struggle for survival following an airplane crash at Gatun Lake, Panama Canal Zone on 12 February 1969. During an aerial flight from Albrook Air Force Base to France Field, Canal Zone, the aircraft in which Lieutenant Colonel Jenne was a passenger experienced an engine failure and crashed into the waters of Gatun Lake, approximately 200 meters from the nearest land. During the crash, Lieutenant Colonel Jenne suffered injuries to his back that impaired his ability to swim. As he exited from the submerged aircraft, he secured a seat cushion from the pilot’s seat and carried it with him to the surface of water. Upon learning that one of the other passengers could not swim, immediately and in complete disregard for his own life, Lieutenant Colonel Jenne gave the seat cushion to the other passenger, reassuring him that his own ability to swim made that life preserver unnecessary. Lieutenant Colonel Jenne’s heroic and selfless act enabled the other passenger to float safely to shore some 30 minutes later, that saving his life. As a consequence of his valor, Lieutenant Colonel Jenne sacrificed his own life. Because of injuries which prevented the proper use of his lower body to offset the sinking pull of clothing and boots, Lieutenant Colonel Jenne drowned while attempting to reach the shore. His action in saving the life of a fellow officer at the cost of his own was in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon him and the United States Army.