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 Major (Infantry) Leonard N. Dunkel, United States Army, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with the 159th Infantry Regiment, California National Guard, in rescuing two enlisted men from drowning in Spooner’s Cove, south of Morro Bay, California, on the night of 20 July 1936. While engaged in field training camp maneuvers, a landing party, representing an enemy landing on the California Coast, unable to bring their boats to shore due to the roughness of the sea, were landed on a rock about 200 feet from the shore. Attempt was then made to land the men by means of a rowboat. When about 150 feet from shore, a large wave broke over the stern of the boat throwing two of the men, fully equipped, into the sea. Major Dunkel, who was on shore, with utter disregard of personal danger, swam out into the sea and brought the men safely to shore.