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 Engineman Second Class Spencer L. Sanker, United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 25 September 1967. Engineman Sanker was a crewman on a United States Navy Swift Boat patrolling the South China Sea, when his boat received an emergency radio transmission requesting assistance for a crashed UH-1D Helicopter belonging to Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), United States Army. Arriving at the crash site, Engineman Sanker realized that the drowning crewmen were near death from exhaustion and water intake. Due to the high winds and 6 to 8 foot swells, rescue from the boat was impossible. Engineman Sanker immediately volunteered to go into the water to aid the drowning men. Although hampered by the very high waves, Engineman Sanker succeeded in rescuing two of the crew members. Engineman Sanker’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Navy and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and military service.