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 Sergeant John R. Immel (ASN: 19092564), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States. On 4 February 1946, Sergeant Immel, while a passenger aboard the wreckage of the vessel, SS YUKON, displayed outstanding heroism in saving the life of a man who was washed overboard by a huge wave. Sergeant Immel with complete disregard for his personal safety and at the voluntary risk of his life, lowered himself into the heavy sea, climbed aboard a small raft and rescued the drowning man. His heroic actions were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.