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 Corporal Aubrey C. King, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Pass Christian, Mississippi on 17 August 1969. On that date he selflessly imperiled his own safety when he dived into the tidal flow near the peak of Hurricane CAMILLE to rescue three elderly women from a damaged home. As a member of the crew of the wheeled amphibious vehicle, which was being employed in evacuation operations, Corporal King, along with three other crewmen, responded to reports that a number of persons who had elected to ride out the storm were now in dire need of assistance. At 2400 hours, almost at the center of the hurricane in the Pass Christian area of the Gulf Coast of Mississippi the crew voluntarily left the security of their shelter and embarked aboard the vehicle on the search and rescue mission. Maneuvering with great difficulty against the treacherous currents of the abnormal 20 foot tides and the near tornado winds bombarded by water and windborne debris, they had progressed for about one half of the city block when a cry for help was heard. Corporal King unhesitatingly, and with no concern for the risks involved, quickly tied a rope around himself, dived into the dark, swirling waters and determinedly swam toward the source of the desperate plea. Arriving at a severely damaged home, which seemingly was about to be totally destroyed, he found three victims almost submerged in the flood. They were cold, frightened, and in imminent danger of losing their lives to the many hazards that surrounded them. Corporal King secured the rope, providing a meager lifeline between the structure and the vehicle. Tediously, he extricated each victim, individually placing them, by way of the lifeline aboard the vehicle. Amid the precarious conditions, he shuttled back and forth until the task was completed. On each trip, Corporal King willingly jeopardized his own well-being by exposing himself to the perils inherent in the ominous waters and in the potential disintegration of the house. His steadfast courage, unsurpassed determination and quick action freed those imprisoned by the storm, averting additional tragedy from the monstrous Hurricane CAMILLE. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, and the dedication of service to his country, Corporal King as reflected great credit upon himself the United States Army.