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 Staff Sergeant Robert L. Perez, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Fort Benning, Georgia on 31 January 1970. On that date Sergeant Perez, while driving past the Russ Swimming Pool at Fort Benning, noticed that a small boy had fallen into the pond. Recognizing immediately the dire emergency, Sergeant Perez stopped his automobile and ran to the distressed child. At this point the boy had become submerged. Displaying exceptionally quick reaction and complete disregard for his own safety and a scum on the surface of the pool, he plunged into the frigid, turbid water. Sergeant Perez relentlessly searched the bottom of the pool in spite of the water temperature and low visibility, found the boy, and brought him to the surface. Unable to climb up the slick moss covered bank, he threw the child into the arms of his wife, who administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Extremely fatigued by his rescue efforts and unable because of the slippery sides of the pool to extricate himself, he was forced to remain in the water until military police arrived to assist him. Sergeant Perez’s exceptionally heroic and quick action undoubtedly saved the life of the child. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Sergeant Perez has reflected great credit upon himself the United States Army.