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 First Class Michael J. Smith, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 28 March 1964, in Seward, Alaska, while assigned to the Seward Recreation Center. On the day after the treacherous earthquake which devastated Alaska, Private Smith unhesitatingly volunteered to participate in a rescue mission to evacuate a severely injured crewman from a fuel vessel which had been subjected to explosions and fire while anchored in the debris-choked channel of Resurrection Bay. Despite the aftershocks and the violence of the turbulent waters, he joined the rescue party in a twenty-foot launch that had been washed ashore. Throughout the two-mile trip which took two hours, he displayed perseverance and rendered invaluable assistance in guiding the rescue craft toward the hazardous vessel to reach the victim. After the injured seaman was lowered into the launch, he continued to display determination and fortitude while guiding the rescue craft back to the shore. Private Smith’s heroic action and deep concern for his fellow man are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.