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 First Class Joe Lopez, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 7th Special Forces, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina on 13 August 1971. On that date at approximately 0915 hours on St. Mere Eglise Drop Zone, Fort Bragg, the 7th Special Forces Group was conducting monthly command and staff parachute jumps from helicopters. During the third sortie a jumper made a poor exit from the lead helicopter and was hanging from the right skid. Disregarding the risk of his personal safety, Sergeant Lopez climbed out of the aircraft onto the skid in order to reach the jumper. With one hand holding the jumper by the back pack he retrieved the deployment bag of the dangling parachute which prevented it from possibly becoming entangled in the aircraft rotors. Such an entanglement could possibly have resulted in the loss of the jumper’s life and the lives of the helicopter’s crewmembers. Sergeant Lopez continued the support of the jumper, at the risk of his own safety, until the save removal of the parachutist after the aircraft made a safe descent to the ground. By his courageous action, humanitarian regard for his fellow man, and dedication of service to his country, Sergeant First Class Lopez has reflected great credit on himself and the United States Army.