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 First Class Leon A. Thomas (ASN: 14064115), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the ELEVENTH Air Force, In action on 2 September 1942. Private First Class Thomas went to the rescue of two members of a crashed B-26, near Fire Island in Turnagain Arm. By diving int o the cold water, he was able to keep the men from drowning until the rescue crew could maneuver the boat sufficiently to pick them up. This as accomplished under extreme adverse conditions due to fog and rain, limiting visibility to a minimum. His actions reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Army Air Forces.