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 Captain (Military Police Corps) Larry A. Gleason, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 17 January 1977 in the City of Lawton, Oklahoma. At approximately 1700 hours, Captain Gleason was sitting in the living room of his home when he heard screams coming from a pond fifty meters distant. He looked through his window and observed several individuals at the edge of the ice covered pond attempting to rescue a small child who had apparently fallen through the ice. He noted that the individuals on shore were making unsuccessful attempts to retrieve the victim with the use of a long pole with a wire loop affixed at one end. Captain Gleason realized the futility of the ongoing rescue effort, ran from his home, and managed to scale a six-foot high fence separating him from the pond. Without knowing the pond’s depth and without complete disregard for his own safety, he began to slide on his stomach across the ice towards the child who by this time was submerged and motionless in the water. While maneuvering towards the victim, Captain Gleason had grasp of a metal pole being held by individuals on shore. Without warning, the ice beneath him collapsed, plunging him into the icy water. At the same time, his right hand slid down the pole and was ripped by a wing nut causing a severe gash between the thumb and forefinger. Captain Gleason then managed to stand in the chest deep water; and, despite the severe cut which rendered his right hand useless, he continued to grope for the child until he was able to locate her. He then lifted her from the pond with his left hand, placed her on the ice, and pushed her back towards the individuals waiting on the shore. While still standing in the icy water, Captain Gleason noted that the individuals on shore were apparently unfamiliar with proper artificial respiration procedures. He them had pull him to shore with the aid of the metal pole. In doing so, he sustained minor abrasions to his chest as he was dragged through the ice. Despite the incapacitating and painful injury to his hand and the near freezing temperatures aggravated by the wind and his drenched clothing, Captain Gleason proceeded to render mouth to mouth resuscitation. After a series of attempts to revive the young girl, she began to cry and finally regained consciousness. Shortly thereafter medical assistance arrived on the scene; and, it was not until then that Captain Gleason consented to actions for his own comfort and first aid for his hand. Captain Gleason’s quick thinking and prompt actions without regard to the dangers and to his own personal safety are credited with saving the life of Rachel Becerra. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon him, his unit, and the United States Army.