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 Joseph N. Wendling (ASN: 20409279), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Battery A, 118th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action in rescuing an enlisted man of his organization from drowning at Silver Springs, Florida, on 20 April 1943. Sergeant Palmer, while standing on a pier, fully clothed, notices a soldier struggling in the water. With complete disregard for his own safety, he dived into the water and rescued the soldier, who was near exhaustion and overcome by cramps. The heroism displayed by Sergeant Palmer reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.