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 Sergeant First Class Jack D. Azbill (ASN: RA-15257032), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in helping save the life of a fellow soldier who was drowning at Picatinny Arsenal on 31 July 1968. At approximately 1930 hours, 31 July 1968, Sergeant Azbill despite the fact that he was virtually a non-swimmer, voluntarily entered the water of Miller’s Pond to give assistance to a fellow soldier who, having fallen from a boat, was drowning. Forced to abandon an empty metal drum which he was using as a swimming aid when the container began to sink, Sergeant Azbill laboriously made his way back to shore. Taking one end of a hose, and again at great personal risk, he reentered the water and managed to hand-paddle his way to the drowning man and the latter’s wife who had come to her husband’s aid and was holding him afloat. Handing her a section of the hose, he instructed a youth on shore to pull the three of them to safety. Once the victim was brought to land, Sergeant Azbill, even though in a state of near shock and exhaustion, assisted rendering artificial respiration until the arrival of medical assistance. Sergeant Azbill’s actions, which involved great courage and complete disregard for his personal safety, were beyond the call of duty and the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.