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 Corporal [then Private First Class] Charles E. Smith, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, for heroism on 2 July 1945. While swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, off the shore at Galveston, Texas, Corporal Smith voluntarily and at the risk of his life went to the aid of three men who were in danger of drowning. Despite the strength of the powerful undertow and the large breakers, Corporal Smith dived and brought one of the swimmers to the surface and safely to the shore. The courage, alertness, and tenacity of purpose in the face of great personal danger exhibited by Corporal Smith in effecting the rescue of the drowning man are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.