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 Otha K. Moorefield (ASN: 6394370), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, while serving with Battery A, 16th Coast Artillery, in rescuing a man from drowning at the beach at Fort DeRussy, Territory of Hawaii, 5 December 1940. Upon hearing cries for help from a man swimming in the ocean about 50 yards from shore who, caught in an outgoing current, was being carried out to sea and in imminent danger of drowning, Private First Class Moorefield and another enlisted man, with utter disregard of their own safety, hampered by their clothing, immediately plunged into the water and went to his assistance. With considerable difficulty and at the risk of their own lives they succeeded in rescuing the man from drowning. The heroism displayed by Private First Class Moorefield on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.