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 [then Private First Class] Earl E. Martin (ASN: 39724372), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with the enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, on 1 April 1945, in the vicinity of Manneheim, Germany. When a foot bridge collapsed, about thirty men were thrown in to the icy water. Sergeant Martin, having reached the bank, stripped off his clothes and dove back to save a drowning soldier. Although he was unsuccessful, the thirty minute struggle in cold water and a swift current bears witness to Sergeant Martin’s courage and physical stamina. The calmness with which he risked his life to save a soldier reflects great credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.