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 Sergeant First Class Alfred G. Mares, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company A, 8th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, Fort Gulik, Canal Zone, in his efforts to prevent possible serious injury to a fellow soldier. On 16 October 1970, Sergeant Mares was acting as jumpmaster on a transport aircraft participating in training for Jumpmaster Course 2-71 near Gatun Drop Zone, Canal Zone. A student jumpmaster accidentally deployed his reserve parachute inside the aircraft. The parachute was then drawn from the aircraft, endangering the life of the student jumpmaster. Exposing himself to the gravest danger, Sergeant Mares managed to hold the student until the reserve parachute was clear of the tail section of the aircraft. Only then did Sergeant Mares release the grip to allow the student to make an exit without serious injury. Sergeant Mares’ actions were in keeping with the most cherished traditions of the 8th Special Forces Group and the United States Army.