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 Carl O. Kurfees (ASN: 42007002), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy while serving with Medical Detachment, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division on 20 August 1945, in Krimml, Austria. Corporal Kurfees displayed exceptional courage and ability on this date in recovering a drowning child from a nearby swimming pool and reviving the small boy by artificial respiration. Summoned to the pool by a civilian, he unhesitatingly plunged into the water, pulled the child to safety, and promptly began artificial respiration. Laboring for forty minutes without rest, he succeeded in restoring consciousness to the almost lifeless body. By his courageous action and unswerving determination, Corporal Kurfees saved the child’s life.