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 Colonel (Chaplain) Corbin W. Ketchersid, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy during the boating mishap on the Potomac River on 5 July 1969. Chaplain Ketchersid, along with five others, was aboard his small sailing boat near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, at Alexandria, Virginia, when an unexpected and extremely violent rain squall suddenly developed. Fighting against the high sea and gusts of wind up to 90 miles per hour, the boat’s occupants succeeded in lowering the mainsail but were thwarted by a jammed lock when they attempted to furl the jib. Inevitably, the boat succumbed to the fierce winds and lashing waves and capsized, hurling all its occupants but one into the deep, treacherous waters. The remaining member, a three-year-old boy, was trapped underwater, inside the cabin. Quickly noticing the absence of a child, Chaplain Ketchersid unhesitatingly left his position of relative safety alongside his companions, who were clinging to the slippery sides of the boat, and dove underwater in search of the youngster. The turbulent waters and violent tossing of the boat at first drove him back to the surface. Scorning the dangers, he dove again and finally forced his way into the cabin. He then took the boy into his arms and made his way back to the surface where he delivered the lad safely to his father. Notwithstanding his exhausting efforts in rescuing the child, Chaplain Ketchersid’s thoughts were only for the safety and welfare of his companions. While awaiting eventual rescue he extended advice and encouragement and otherwise assisted in maintaining calm. By his exceptionally brave and heroic actions, voluntarily taken at the risk of his own life, Chaplain Ketchersid saved the life of a small boy and thereby reflected the highest credit upon himself, United States Army Chaplaincy in the military services.