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 Fourth Class Johnnie Phillips, Sr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Company, 44th Engineer Group (Construction), 9th Logistical Command (B), on 8 August 1962, at Korat, Thailand. Specialist Phillips was on duty at a unit water point at the Korat city water reservoir when several Thai residents approached him and excitedly indicated in sign language that a young Thai boy had fallen into the reservoir’s spillway. Specialist Phillips rushed to the site where the boy fell in the water and, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, unhesitatingly plunged into the swift current, which was at flood stage and flowing down the spillway at approximately 7 feet above normal depth. Surfacing and allowing himself to be carried downstream to where the boy had last been seen, he encountered the boy’s body with this foot, and after submerging, brought him to the surface and attempted to tow them to the shore. Upon nearing the shore, he was aided by spectators who joined hands and formed a human chain extending from 15 to 20 feet into the turbulent waters. Although almost exhausted from the trying rescue, he continued his efforts and rendered artificial respiration to the boy until he regained consciousness. Specialist Phillips’ heroic action in this hazardous rescue mission is in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.