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 Sergeant Jarles D. Gunn, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire on 17 – 18 April 1969. A fellow Special Forces soldier who was participating in the night parachute drop landed away from the drop zone in the Israel River, which was swollen to near flood stage by heavy rains and melting snow. The paratrooper’s cries of distress were heard by Sergeant Gunn, medic for the drop zone, who, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own life and safety, jumped into the torrent and swam to the paratrooper who was hanging on to some exposed branches and debris. Sergeant Gunn immediately began stripping whatever equipment he could from the frightened soldier. Sergeant Gunn summoned help as he continued to brave the freezing water and swift currents which were continuously trying to pull them down into the icy depths. With the assistance of a rope and another man’s heroic actions, the paratrooper was pulled ashore to safety. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Sergeant Gunn has reflected great credit upon himself in the United States Army.