The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Staff Sergeant Elmore E. Orth (ASN: 38376991), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, at Luzon, Philippine Islands. On 19 June 1945 Sergeant Elmore Orth and Private Allen Lehman were swimming in the Cagayan River near Santiago when a member of their party who was unable to swim was swept downstream by the swift current. The river was about 400 yards wide at this point and was marked with whirlpools and treacherous eddies. However, these men immediately swam to the rescue. Although swept downstream 100 yards by the current, the two men finally succeeded in reaching the shore where they dragged the drowning man upon the river bank and administered artificial respiration which saved his life. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.