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 Sergeant First Class Steve J. Karamanos (ASN: US-51046241), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Tank Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, in action at Pammol, North Korea on the night of 28 – 29 July 1952. At about 2230 hours, 28 July 1952, five soldiers, occupants of a 2_ ton truck, had mistakenly taken a ford through the Yong-pyong River which was closed to vehicular traffic due to flood conditions. When an emergency call was sounded for a tank with a volunteer crew, Sergeant Karamanos was one of the first to volunteer. The deep and swift water hampered the use of the tank, so a human chain was formed. After several attempts, the truck was reached. At any time during these operations, a slip would have meant almost certain death by drowning. On the first attempt to pull the truck out of the river, the single cable broke. Two more cables and a rope were attached to the truck before it was finally pulled from the river. During the six hours duration of the rescue operation the level of the water had risen approximately five feet. His prompt and determined actions in the face of great danger, undoubtedly saved the lives of five men. Sergeant Karamanos’ heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.