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 Specialist Fifth Class Alden S. Palmer, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Charlottesville, Virginia on 20 August 1969. On that date Specialist Palmer, a member of Headquarters Company, Davison United States Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, rescued and saved the lives of two civilians in the vicinity of Charlottesville, Virginia, who were the victims of flooding in the James River area. Specialist Palmer was in the vanguard of personnel sent as relief element to assist civilian authorities with the disaster caused by Hurricane CAMILLE. Upon reaching a group of houses in the flooded James River, Specialist Palmer volunteered to be lowered by hoist from a helicopter with complete disregard for his own personal safety to search the houses for survivors. After being lowered by hoist in a buffeting wind to the roof of a house being inundated by rising water from the James River, he placed himself in danger and entered the home by an upstairs window where he found two elderly persons in shock and bewilderment. While the water was undermining the house at a level now approaching the porch roof, he courageously persuaded the two persons to leave the house and was successful in having them hoisted aboard the helicopter. Specialist Palmer placed himself in additional danger by remaining behind while the survivors were being flown to a safe location, since there was no remaining space for him to board the aircraft. The helicopter returned to pick up Specialist Palmer, and he continued to search houses for survivors until all remaining dwellings had been searched. Specialist Palmer received superficial wounds from flying glass when the window of a house broke because of the stress from floodwaters. He continued the search in complete disregard for his own safety and welfare until the search had been completed. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of this service to his country, Specialist Palmer has reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.