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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Charles D. Sarkiss, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at about 1330 hours, 8 September 1968, South of Edenton, North Carolina. While crossing the bridge over Albemarie Sound, his attention was directed to people floundering in very rough water after their boat capsized. Colonel Sarkiss first secured from his car and threw to the victim nearest the bridge a foam rubber pillow. As strong currents continued to take a young boy farther out into the sound, Colonel Sarkiss joined a college student in jumping over 20 feet from the bridge into the choppy water. While he swam to the boy’s aid and kept him afloat until a rescuing both arrived, the college student swam to the aid of the young man’s father and sister. Colonel Sarkiss’ selfless action in voluntarily jumping from the bridge into very rough water, with total disregard for the considerable hazards involved, directly resulted in saving the life of a young boy. His heroism reflects most creditably on him in the United States Army.