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 Private Ivan N. Strayer (ASN: 13067253), United States Army, for not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Pioneer Company, 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Separate), in support of the 30th Infantry Division, in action on 19 April 1942 while fishing just below the dam at Reservoir Lake on Gill Creek near Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Private Strayer observed Joshua G. Bennett, Jr., a young boy of approximately 8 years of age, fall into the swift waters of the stream. Private Strayer without any hesitation whatsoever and not even taking time to remove so much of his clothing as his cap, plunged into the water and brought the young boy to safety, at the same time explaining to the boy how to conduct himself to keep from drowning. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Private Strayer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.