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 Merle L. Lomison, United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on the evening of 9 May 1944, near Castelvoturno, Italy. On that date, at the risk of his own safety, Private First Class Lomison crossed a mine field on the beach and swam to the aid of a pilot who had bailed out of his burning plane. Finding the pilot dead, he removed the entangled parachute and harness from the body and kept it afloat until a boat came to his assistance. Private First Class Lomison’s courage in the face of danger provided an inspiring example to is fellow soldiers and reflects credit upon himself and the armed forces.