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 Private First Class James G. Dilley (ASN: 6769234), United States Army Air Corps, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with the 94th Pursuit Squadron, displayed in the rescuing of five persons from drowning in Anchor Bay, off the shore of Selfridge Field, Michigan on 12 April 1934. A motor boat in which these persons were riding capsized in the cold, rough water about a half mile from the shore, placing them in imminent danger of drowning. Private Dilley, with utter disregard of his own safety, went to their rescue in a small canoe, using a piece of board as a paddle. He successfully brought them all to shore, although the gunwales of the canoe were within an inch of the water.