Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Private Milton H. Smith, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 24 January 1967, at or about 0630 hrs., in rescuing a fellow soldier while paying no attention to the dangers on his life. A soldier attempting to cross a river ford, had his vehicle drowned out and stalled in the midst of a four foot raging current. Fireman Smith, with life line attached, physically walked the fifty yards to the stranded soldier. Smith then insured the balance of the rescue part that a life line was attached to the stranded soldier. The soldier was coaxed by Private Smith to jump and then was pulled to safety. It was at this time that the line to Smith was attached and Smith was pulled underwater by the raging current. Smith then had to swim to shore to save his life and come aground well downstream of the rescue party. Within seconds after both men were safely ashore, the vehicle, on top of which the stranded soldier was sitting, was swept downstream by the heavy current. Had Smith not voluntarily undertaken such a hazardous task, the stranded soldier would have been swept downstream and would have perished. [This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal awarded to Private Milton H Smith for heroism 24 January 1967 as announced in general order number 15, Headquarters United States Army Training Center, Infantry and Fort Ord, California, dated 17 February 1967.]

Awards Received