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 Wylie Bell, United States Army Air Forces, for heroism at the risk of his life in Alaska on 11 August 1947. When a fellow soldier, after being forced to release his handhold on the pontoon of a taxiing seaplane, fell into the near freezing and swiftly moving Naknek River, clad in winter flying equipment and hip boots, Sergeant Bell unhesitatingly swam to his aid, despite the grave personal danger. Through his outstanding bravery in accomplishing the rescue of the stricken man, Sergeant Bell did much to reflect great credit on himself and the armed forces of the United States.