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 [then Specialist Fourth Class] James P. Smitherman, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Company, United States Army Signal Group, Ryukyu Islands, on 11 April 1963 at Kiyuna Ginowan City, Okinawa. Upon hearing the distant crying of a child, Specialist Smitherman investigated and found that the cries were coming from the pit of a very deep abandoned well near his quarters. By the time he located the source of the crying, a mixed group of Ryukyuan and American persons had also gathered at the scene where a young girl had accidentally plunged to the bottom of the 125-foot shaft. After organizing those few people who were willing to assist in the rescue operation, Specialist Smitherman decided it was necessary to descend into the well to rescue the little girl. With complete disregard for his own safety and ignoring the warnings of possible cave-in and exposure to highly dangerous gases, he bravely descended by a rope to the bottom of the well to reach the child. Then, with the assistance of another American soldier and a local civilian, he succeeded in bringing the girl to the top of the well. Specialist Smitherman’s fortitude, heroic conduct and courageous efforts to save a human life are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.