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 William A. Thomas (ASN: RA-14127572), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 41st Company (Airborne), 4th Student Battalion, the Student Brigade, United States Army Infantry School, on 22 October 1961, at Kings Pond, Fort Benning, Georgia. While fishing from the Bank of Kings Pond, Sergeant Thomas noticed that two small children were the only occupants of a station wagon rolling toward the lake. Unhesitatingly, and without concern for his own personal safety, he rushed to their rescue. He made a spontaneous attempt to halt the moving vehicle with his shoulders, swung himself around to the left door, and slowed the momentum of the car as it plunged into the lake. After rescuing one child from the sinking car, he quickly returned to aid another soldier in the rescue of the second child before the vehicle became completely submerged in the lake. Sergeant Thomas’ exemplary conduct, quick thinking, and courageous action in this emergency reflect the utmost credit on himself and the military service.