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 Specialist Sixth Class Charles G. Dildy, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Biloxi, Mississippi, on 17 August 1969. On that date Specialist Dildy was serving as a member of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 138th Transportation Battalion (Truck) which was evacuating people on the Mississippi coast of the Gulf of Mexico during Hurricane CAMILLE. Specialist Dildy and twelve other members of the Detachment were forced to evacuate the National Guard facilities at Biloxi, Mississippi, when the treacherous hurricane, characterized by 200 mile-per-hour winds and 20 foot tidal waves, threatened to destroy the armory. Specialist Dildy and the twelve other passengers were aboard an amphibious vehicle when the propeller struck a submerged object and sheared their marine drive shaft. With the disabled vehicle being tossed about by the hurricane and under the threat of being swept out into the Gulf of Mexico, Specialist Dildy, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, dove into the treacherous water amid the tumbling automobiles, homes, downed power lines, and trees and by sheer courage and determination succeeded in reaching a partially destroyed building. To this building he tied a rope which he had towed from the vehicle. His fortitude, perseverance, and determination through this perilous operation prevented the loss of 13 lives. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of service to his country, Specialist Dildy has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.