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 Staff Sergeant Eril L. Metevier (ASN: 6129010), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery and Train, 2d Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, in rescuing an officer from drowning at Flamingo Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico, 22 January 1938. While in swimming, Staff Sergeant Metevier heard a call for help from a man who was struggling in the rough waters, being rapidly carried out to sea by a strong undertow and in grave danger of drowning. Realizing his predicament, Staff Sergeant Metevier, with utter disregard of his own safety, ventured out into the heavy surf and with much difficulty kept the drowning man afloat until help arrived to bring him safely to shore.