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 Charles E. Goss, 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 Goss, awakened by the cries for help, rushed out of his hut and at the risk of his life plunged into the turbulent water. About 25 yards from the jettee, he reached one of the men who was panic stricken and not able to swim. Despite the unusual violence of the sea and in a state of virtual exhaustion, Technician Fifth Grade Goss brought the victim to a ladder on the jettee where he was hauled up by a rope. The man undoubtedly would have drowned were it not for the bravery and complete disregard of personal safety on the part of Technician Fifth Grade Goss. The heroism displayed by him on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.