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 John P. Pajot, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 522nd Transportation Platoon (Barge Amphibious Re-supply, Cargo Operations and Maintenance), United States Forces, on 20 July 1962, at Boat Basin Number 4, United States Army Sub-Installation, Roquefort, France. While traveling as a passenger in a car, Sergeant Pajot noticed an individual climb over the guard rail adjacent to Boat Basin Number 4 and leap into the deep muddy water. Calling attention to the driver, who immediately stopped the car, Sergeant Pajot dashed to the basin, and in the darkness of the night, caught a glimpse of a figure floundering in the water and making no apparent effort to swim. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he unhesitatingly dove, fully clothed, into the murky water and quickly arrived alongside the man, who was attempting to take his own life. When he tried to grasp him and bring him to the seawall, the man vigorously resisted efforts to save him. Realizing that the man was distraught and irresponsible, Sergeant Pajot subdued him, and with the assistance of another soldier, succeeded in moving him to the edge of the seawall, where he was removed from the water by other persons who were standing by. Sergeant Pajot’s prompt and heroic action in this emergency is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. (This award supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal to Sergeant Pajot for heroism on 20 July 1962, as announced in General Orders Number 163, Headquarter, U.S. Army Communications Zone, Europe, dated 19 November 1962, amended by General Orders Number 1, Headquarters, U.S. Army Communications Zone Europe, dated to January 1963.)