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 [then Specialist Fourth Class] John E. Kovach, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company C ,1st Battalion, 27th infantry, on 12 February 1964 in Okinawa. Sergeant Kovach was participating in a training exercise when he saw a fellow soldier, encumbered by full combat equipment, slip from a precarious ledge on the side of a valley stream and plunge into a pool of water approximately ten feet deep. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Kovach rapidly traversed that nearly impassable terrain and dove into the cold water to rescue the member of his unit. Although the victim’s inability to swim and the weight of the heavy equipment precluded his remaining on the surface, Sergeant Kovach reached the drowning man before he completely submerged. Then, despite their being submerged frequently as he battled his way to the bank of the stream, Sergeant Kovach succeeded in towing his fellow soldier to the safety of the shore. Sergeant Kovach’s heroic actions and deep concern for his fellow man are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and military service. [This award supersedes the award of the Army Commendation Medal to Sergeant Kovach for heroism on 12 February 1964 as announced in General Orders Number 85, Headquarters 25th Infantry Division, APO 25, San Francisco, California, dated 5 August 1964.]