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 Charles A. Cole, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 30 April 1983, while a member of Battery F, 29th Field Artillery, Grafenwoehr Training Area, Federal Republic of Germany. Sergeant Cole distinguished himself by exceptionally heroic actions in saving the life of a fellow soldier after their canoe capsized. When two helicopters on a training mission hovered over the lake in which Sergeant Cole and his friend were canoeing, a wing blast from the helicopters caused the canoe to overturn and propel both occupants into the water. Sergeant Cole swam to shore and then looked back for his companion. Upon seeing that he could not swim safely on his own, Sergeant Cole, without regard for his own safety, swam to his rescue even though he was extremely tired from his original swim. If not for Sergeant Cole’s heroic actions, the other soldier would have drowned. The gallant and courageous efforts of Sergeant Cole were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.