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 James A. Whitener (ASN: RA-25008313), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States. As a member of Medical Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 28 May 1951, in the vicinity of Yangjimal, Korea. A Netherlands soldier attempted to cross a swiftly flowing river to secure assistance for his wounded comrades, but the river was too swift and deep and the soldier soon found himself in danger of drowning. Private Whitener, upon hearing the soldier’s cry for help, unhesitantly threw his weapon aside and dashed into the water after the drowning soldier who was going down for the third time. Private Whitener expertly took him in tow and brought him to shore. The prompt and selfless action of Private Whitener in going to the aid of a comrade at great risk of his own life reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.