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 Josef Solomon (ASN: 6148328), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, while serving with Company G, 13th Infantry in rescuing a man from drowning in Gatun Lake, Panama Canal Zone, on 21 May 1940. When an officer of a British freighter anchored in Gatun Lake, suddenly seized with cramps while swimming near the ship, called for help, Private Solomon, a member of the United States Army guard aboard the vessel, with complete disregard of his personal safety, immediately went to his assistance. Pausing only to remove his hat and side arms, Private Solomon dived fully clothed from the ship’s rail to the water 25 feet below, landing close to the struggling man who blindly clutching him around the neck dragged him below the waves. Succeeding with difficulty in breaking the drowning man’s hold Private Solomon pulled him to the surface, and despite his struggles towed him to the ship’s ladder where he held him until help arrived, thereby saving his life. The courage and presence of mind displayed by Private Solomon on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.