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 Major (Field Artillery) Lawrence H. D. Williams, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the United States Army Element, Allied Land Forces, Southeastern Europe, in Izmir, Turkey, on 25 November 1964. As a member of a Scuba Club, Major Williams unhesitatingly volunteered to participate in an effort to locate an Army Sergeant and two Turkish nationals who were in a taxicab that had skidded off a pier and plunged into the extremely deep waters of Izmir Bay. Major Williams displayed complete disregard for his own safety in his efforts to locate the missing men by diving into the murky, turbulent waters of the Bay which was littered with debris. After the two Turkish nationals were found, he continued his efforts to recover the body of the missing soldier from the Bay despite the hazardous circumstances. Major Williams’ heroic conduct and humanitarian efforts are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.