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 Second Lieutenant (Chemical Warfare Service) George R. Sommer (ASN: 0-524084), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the 97th Chemical Mortar Battalion, XII Corps, in action on 10 May 1945, in Germany. Lieutenant Sommer displayed heroism in rescuing a soldier from drowning in the Ilz River, Oberhaus, Germany. With complete disregard for his own personal safety Lieutenant Sommer dived fully clothed into a swollen, swiftly flowing stream, reached down underneath the water to raise the sinking, unconscious soldier to the surface and carried him to safety. The courage and utter disregard for personal safety displayed by Lieutenant Sommer reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.