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 William D. Smithies, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the United States Army Transportation Agency, Japan, on 1 March 1962, in Tokyo Bay, Japan. Private Smithies was standing by on a seawall to assist in Army Master Diver who was performing underwater repair on a pipeline. He noticed the diver appear on the surface, struggling, and sink below the surface again several times. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Private Smithies dived fully clothed into the heavy sea prevalent with a strong and dangerous undertow, and swam about 300 feet to the aid of the semiconscious diver. He brought the diver to the surface, released his SCUBA equipment and the lead weighted belt, and towed him back to the seawall where they were pulled out of the water by persons observing the rescue. Private Smithies’ alertness and prompt and courageous action in this emergency reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.