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 Staff Sergeant Ernest A. Finklea, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in an effort to save the lives of two of his fellow men on 10 July 1969. Sergeant Finklea was fishing at Thompson Lake, Fort Richardson, Alaska when a kayak carrying two men capsized on the lake. Sergeant Finklea, without hesitation, dove into the water, the temperatures of which was 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Although his courage was indomitable and he demonstrated complete disregard for his own life, the panic of the two men cost them their own lives and almost resulted in the loss of Sergeant Finklea’s as well. When he reached the men they were in the clutches of fear and fighting for self-preservation. Neither listened to his pleas for them to relax, but both turned on him in desperation, dragging the Sergeant down with them. Upon surfacing, Sergeant Finklea discovered one of the men was still underwater. Sergeant Finklea tried to recover him but was unable to do so. With waning strength, he turned his full efforts toward saving the remaining man. In the ensuing struggle, Sergeant Finklea collapsed due to extreme fatigue. Sergeant Finklea was helped from the water suffering from overexposure, excessive intake of water, and severe and traumatic shock. His extraordinary heroism, conspicuous gallantry, and willingness to risk his life for that of his fellow man are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon him and the United States Army.