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 John R. Welker (ASN: 662667), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, while serving with Headquarters Troop, 13th Cavalry, in rescuing an enlisted man from drowning in a lake near Black Brook, New York, on 14 August 1939. When an enlisted man, swimming in a deep lake, was suddenly seized with cramps about 75 yards from shore and called for help, Private First Class Welker, with utter disregard of his own safety, immediately went to his assistance. Reaching the drowning man as he sank beneath the waves, Private First Class Welker pulled him to the surface, and although exhausted by the struggles of the semiconscious man, towed him with great difficulty for more that 60 yards toward the shore, and finally, with the help of another enlisted man, succeeded in bringing him to safety, thereby saving his life. The heroism displayed by Private First Class Welker on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.