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 Orvin L. Stringham, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a Crew Member of the United States Army Ryukyu Islands Flight Section, on 17 August 1963, over the East China Sea, near Naha, Okinawa. While participating in aerial rescue operations following the sinking of a Ryukyuan ferry boat, Specialist Stringham demonstrated complete disregard for his own personal safety in an effort to rescue survivors from the East China Sea. When darkness and strong gusty winds prevented the helicopter pilot from hovering in a stationary position long enough to permit the exhausted survivors to manipulate the rescue harness, Specialist Stringham voluntarily lowered himself into the sea thirty feet below the helicopter and assisted victims into the rescue harness. He remained in this dangerous position, hanging by one arm, until eight persons were safely hoisted into the aircraft. After re-boarding the aircraft, he ignored his own personal exhaustion, participating in rescue operations until nearly midnight and, early on the following morning, continued to assist in the rescue efforts which lasted throughout the day. Specialist Stringham’s fortitude, perseverance, and heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.