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 Master Sergeant Frank L. Ponce, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Fort Devens, Massachusetts on 8 April 1970. On that date, while fishing from the shore of Little Hell Pond with his son, Sergeant Ponce noticed an overturned boat and a man several yards in front of it attempting to swim to shore. Upon hearing the victim’s cry for help, Sergeant Ponce unhesitatingly dove into the icy water, swimming towards the man who was struggling to stay afloat. After reaching him and getting his head above water, Sergeant Ponce started to towing him to shore, but only with great difficulty due to the victim’s water-soaked clothing. He was finally successful in getting the man to shore, where another soldier assisted him in reviving the unconscious victim. They administered artificial respiration, and after the man started breathing, Sergeant Ponce left the scene to call an ambulance. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Sergeant Ponce has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.