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 Staff Sergeant James A. Reynolds, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at a beach on the Black Sea near Istanbul, Turkey, during the afternoon of 31 July 1966. Staff Sergeant Reynolds, Waterfront Director for the Boy Scout Summer Camp located near the Black Sea and another adult Scouter, both having full knowledge of the dangerous sea state resulting from the aftermath of a storm unhesitatingly rushed to the rescue of two Turkish swimmers whose lives were in peril by drowning. The rescue was accomplished only after Sergeant Reynolds and the other Scouter had run at maximum speed three quarters of a mile along the beach to a point opposite the drowning Turks. Although fatigued and out of breath Sergeant Reynolds, without regard to his own life, plunged into the sea and swam one quarter mile through waves six to seven feet in height and fought strong undertow currents to affect the rescue. By his courageous action and complete disregard to the risk involved to his own life, Staff Sergeant Reynolds displayed high regard for his fellow man and reflected great credit upon himself in the United States Army.