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 Staff Sergeant Gerald C. Martin (ASN: 34683176), United States Army, for heroism while serving with the 35th Infantry Division near ****, Germany, on 11 December 1944. After voluntarily guiding an assault boat across the turbulent **** River in a hazardous night crossing, Sergeant Martin, hearing screams from the center of the stream, took his boat back into the river by himself, and succeeded in pulling four men into the boat despite a heavy current. His daring and unselfish action was responsible for saving the lives of four fellow soldiers, and reflects credit upon the military service.