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 Specialist Four Dean F. Ludtke, United States Army, for heroism on 12 September 1982 while serving with the U.S. Army Communications Command at Sinop, Turkey, when he save the life of a fellow soldier. While at the American-Turkish Beach, a soldier was carried approximately 70 yards of shore by a strong undertow or riptide. Upon calling for help, Specialist Luedtke and two other soldiers immediately responded to his call, swam out to him, and managed to assist the soldier to the beach. By this time, one of the other soldiers who responded to the initial call for help was caught up in the mainstream of the current and in need of assistance along with one of the lifeguards. Specialist Ludtke immediately returned to the water to aid this soldier along with the lifeguard who was now becoming fatigued. Because of the strong current, Specialist Luedtke and the lifeguard were unable to maintain their hold on the drowning soldier and finally had to return to shore without him due to fatigue. These truly unselfish acts of courage by Specialist Ludtke in sang he life of one soldier and attempting to save the life of another could very well have cost him his life. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.