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 Jose Hernandez (ASN: US-55132128), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of 2d Quartermaster Company, 2d Infantry Division, on 23 October 1951 in the vicinity of Kapyong, Korea. On that date Private Hernandez, along with three other drivers, was dispatched to Chunchon, Korea for the transportation of critically needed winter clothing and equipment. While en route over a steep and narrow mountain pass, the first truck of the four truck convoy was sideswiped by an oncoming southwest bound truck. The driver of the southwest bound truck lost control of his vehicle and it plunged over the cliff and into the river. Private Hernandez stopped his truck and, upon investigation, saw the semiconscious driver submerged beneath the swift, cold current of the river. He hurriedly descended the steep slope to the river bank and without hesitation or regard for his personal safety, dove into the river and swam to the injured and drowning man. Handicapped by the swift current of the river, by his water soaked clothing, and near the point of exhaustion himself, Private Hernandez persisted in keeping the injured man above the surface of the water until additional help reached him and assisted with the rescue. Private Hernandez’s courageous and selfless actions undoubtedly saved the life of the driver and will live forever in the hearts of his comrades. Entered military service from Illinois.