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 Leslie E. Johnson, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of United States Army Element, Allied Land Forces Southern Europe, in Izmir, Turkey, on 22 November and 25 November 1964. As a member of a Scuba Club, Specialist Johnson unhesitatingly volunteered to participate in a rescue effort to save the lives of an Army Sergeant and two Turkish nationals who were in a taxicab that had skidded off a peer and plunged into the extremely deep waters of Izmir Bay. With hope that the victims had survived in an air pocket of the taxicab, Specialist Johnson displayed complete disregard for his own safety in his efforts to locate the missing men by repeatedly diving into the murky, turbulent waters of the Bay which was littered with debris and covered with a film of gasoline. Despite the rainstorm and the darkness of night, he continued his brave efforts until the vehicle was found at a depth of 55 feet without its occupants. After the Turkish nationals were found, he again participated in a daylight effort to recover the body of the missing soldier. Specialist Johnson’s heroic conduct, determination, and humanitarian efforts are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.