The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant John A. Senger, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while assigned to Headquarters United States Army Air Defense Command, Ent Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado, on 26 January 1969 while attempting to save the life of his son. On that date, at approximately 1400 hours, Sergeant Senger and his family were ice fishing on Ramah Reservoir, Colorado. His oldest son, Gary, was ice sledding using a large piece of cardboard as a sail. The wind suddenly changed direction and carried him out over thin ice. Gary dropped the cardboard and in attempting to recover it he lost his balance, falling off his sled through the ice and into the icy water. Sergeant Senger, who was ice fishing about 50 yards away, rushed to his son’s rescue. Despite the mortal danger presented by the thin ice and extreme cold, he persisted in his heroic efforts. Breaking through the ice, he struggled on until he reached and entered the water, although unable to swim and encumbered by heavy clothing and boots. Others attempted to go to the aid of Sergeant Senger and his son, but all of their efforts were in vain. Sergeant Senger’s exemplary courage in the face of insurmountable odds cost him his own life. His complete disregard for his personal safety during the attempted rescue of his son reflects the utmost credit upon a self, the command, and the United States Army.