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 Technician Fifth Grade Alexander A. Cappella, United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, in Sicily, on 2 January 1944. A mountainous wave broke over the north jettee in Palermo Harbor just before daybreak, sweeping a kitchen hut and equipment and two members of a 40-mm. gun section into an exceptionally rough sea. Technician Fifth Grade Cappella, awakened by the cries for help, rushed out of his hut and at the risk of his life plunged into the turbulent water. Seeing that one of the victims was already being rescued, he struck out for the other about 25 yards from the jettee. The stormy condition of the harbor and the fact that the man could not swim made his rescue a most difficult and dangerous task. He finally was brought to a ladder on the jettee and hauled out. This display of courage and quick action by Technician Fifth Grade Cappella was responsible for saving a soldier from drowning. The heroism displayed by him on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.