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 First Class Frank X. Sammis, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters and Training Company, 1st Battle Group, 1st Infantry, United States Military Academy, on 3 September 1961, near West Point, New York. Sergeant Sammis was performing duty as jumpmaster for competitive parachutists. The reserve ripcord on the parachute of a member moving into jump position was accidentally released, and the man was in immediate danger of being dragged out of the plane in an uncontrolled manner by the powerful draft from the open aircraft door. Quickly realizing this precarious situation and acting without regard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Sammis lunged at the open parachute in an attempt to hold it, but the strong wind pulled it through the door. Exposing himself to the possibility of falling out of the airplane, Sergeant Sammis exerted every possible effort to push the man free of the aircraft door. The deploying parachute was instantly filled by the forceful wind, and the man was thrown against the metal door jam and dragged out of the doorway; severely crushing Sergeant Sammis’ right arm in the process. The unselfish courage and heroic actions displayed by Sergeant Sammis in this sudden emergency are in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.