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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas A. Dukes, United States Army, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with the 31st Infantry Regiment, in saving Private James U. Fairbanks from drowning in the Porac River at Pio, Pompanga, Philippine Islands, on the afternoon of 14 January 1927. After entering the water, Private Fairbanks, who with three others was bathing in the Porac River, waded in, although unable to swim and being unaware of the sudden drop caused by a lodge of rock. Upon hearing Private Fairbanks call for help Lieutenant Dukes went to his assistance and located him under water. In attempting to rescue Private Fairbanks the soldier grabbed Lieutenant Dukes by the leg and pulled him under, but with the assistance of the other two soldiers Lieutenant Dukes succeeded in getting Private Fairbanks on the bank, where he regained consciousness after a few minutes of artificial respiration.