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 Staff Sergeant Ronald W. Clements, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on the Chena River at Fort Wainwright, Alaska on 19 August 1969. On that date Sergeant Clements was supervising the river crossing portion of the night platoon operational readiness test, when a pneumatic raft overturned, heaving three soldiers into the treacherous, flood swollen waters. Seeing that the men were fighting for their lives, he jumped into the water in an attempt to save them, despite the knowledge that he could not swim and had no life jacket. After rescuing one man, and attempting to assist another, he was caught in the swift undercurrent and swept away. Sergeant Clements’ heroic attempt to save the lives of his comrades and sacrifice of his own life reflect conduct truly above and beyond the call of duty. By his courageous action in humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Sergeant Clements has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.