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 Scott J. Whitting, United States Army, for valorous actions on 30 September 1966 while serving as company medic during a search and clear operation near Dak To. Sergeant Whitting had crossed a river on a two-rope bridge and stationed himself to protect the crossing. The weapons platoon leader, carrying two heavy mortar shells in his pack, slipped from the ropes and fell into the river. Without hesitation, Sergeant Whitting dove in and swam to the struggling man. Despite the heavy load which dragged them under several times in the rapid current, he never released his grip. Using a bend in the river to his advantage, he pulled the exhausted soldier to the bank, carried him fifteen meters up the slope, and treated him to revive and calm him.