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 [then Private] Joe E. Hofer, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 5th Battalion, 81st Artillery, 8th Infantry Division, on 23 September 1962. Private Hofer was one of sixty-eight passengers on board a Flying Tiger airliner which crashed in the stormy Atlantic Ocean, in total darkness, approximately 600 miles from Ireland. During the preparations for the imminent crash of the stricken aircraft, Private Hofer helped to keep panic to a minimum by instilling confidence in the passengers and consoling them with comforting words. Immediately after the initial impact, he completely disregarded his own personal safety by aiding, assisting, and evacuating passengers from the rapidly sinking airliner into life rafts in a heavy running sea and under gale force winds. For six hours, while awaiting rescue, he continued his valiant efforts to comfort the survivors and rendered material assistance to the aircraft commander but maintaining seaworthiness, discipline, and high morale among the fifty-one apprehensive passengers crowded into a twenty-five man life raft. Despite the danger of being swept off the life raft into the turbulent sea, he stood up in the raft and effective critical signal communications with search aircraft aloft and approaching service vessels. His steadfast courage positive action, and mature judgment were instrumental in saving many lives, and earned for him the lasting gratitude of the survivors and all concerned in this disaster. Private Hofer’s heroic actions and deep concern for his fellow man are in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflect distinct credit upon himself in the military service.