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 Specialist Fifth Class Jesse E. Williamson, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 27 February 1963, while assigned to the United States Army Air Defense Board, Fort Bliss, Texas. Specialist Williamson observed a young boy and girl playing aboard a small homemade raft on a lake near El Paso, Texas, and moments later, saw the children slip from the overturned raft and fall into the twelve-foot deep water. He unhesitating ran from his home nearby, plunged into the lake, and swam sixty feet to where the children were struggling in the water. Although not an expert swimmer, Specialist Williamson displayed complete disregard for his own personal safety, and succeeded in moving both children toward the shore where he received some assistance with the little girl, and personally carried the boy out of the water. Specialist Williamson’s unselfish conduct and heroic action in this emergency are in the highest traditions of the United States Army, and reflect distinct credit on himself in the military service.