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 Private First Class Robert W. Herring, United States Air Force, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 17th Communications Squadron, Command Headquarters, TWENTIETH Air Force, on 6 October 1947, at Guam, Mariana Islands. While three soldiers were floating in a rubber life raft in the ocean, the small boat was swamped by a large wave and the men were thrown into the water. One man was washed out to sea past the coral reefs. Rescue craft were notified, but it appeared that the man could not hold out in the heavy running sea until help arrived. Private First Class Herring and another soldier launched a life raft and, although battered and pounded by the 15-foot high waves, managed to reach the struggling soldier. The man was too exhausted to help himself. Private First Class Herring and the other soldier, although painfully cut and bruised on the sharp coral, towed their fellow soldier to safety. Private First Class Herring’s courageous act, with complete disregard for his personal safety, saved the life of his fellow soldier and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.