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 Solomon Crystal (ASN: 20260903), United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, while serving with Battery E. 224th Coast Artillery Regiment, in rescuing a man from drowning in the Atlantic Ocean near Virginia Beach, Virginia, on 2 July 1941. Upon hearing a cry for help from a comrade who became exhausted while swimming and was rapidly being carried out to sea by the rough winds and heavy undertow and was in grave danger of drowning, Private First Class Crystal, with utter disregard of his own safety, although himself a poor swimmer, went to the assistance of the drowning man. With great difficulty and exceptional bravery Private First Class Crystal succeeded in bringing the man in distress safely to shore thereby saving his life. The heroism displayed by Private First Class Crystal on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.