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 Airman First Class James F. Bailey, United States Air Force, for heroism at the risk of his own life in the rescue from drowning of Private Steven Morrison, Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 325th Infantry Regiment. On 31 May 1975, Airman First Class Bailey, as a participant in Exercise SOLID SHIELD, conducted a parachute assault with the 2d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division near Hargett Crossroads, North Carolina. An error in release time caused the jumpers to miss the designated drop zone during descent and resulted in Private Morrison landing in a pond away from other jumpers. Private Morrison, not expecting the water, was apparently unable to free himself of his equipment and swim to safety. Airman First Class Bailey had landed nearby and upon hearing cries from the pond, ran to help. Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Airman First Class Bailey quickly stripped his gear and swam to Private Morrison who was panicking and struggling desperately. Airman First Class Bailey first tried to calm Private Morrison and get him out of his equipment but Private Morrison grabbed his would be rescuer and they both went under. Fighting to get to the surface, Airman First Class Bailey, near exhaustion himself, was pulled under a second time. Struggling to the surface, he called for help and went back down to push up Private Morrison. At this point Airman First Class Bailey was extremely fatigued and close to drowning but he managed to keep Private Morrison up as additional help arrived. Private Morrison was dragged out and given artificial resuscitation and evacuated by helicopter to a medical facility where he recovered fully. As a result of his actions, Airman First Class Bailey also had to be evacuated and treated as a near drowning victim. Even though Airman First Class Bailey could not pull Private Morrison to the safety of land, it was his quick thinking and rapid response which kept Private Morrison from drowning before help arrived. Airman First Class Bailey’s personal efforts at the risk of his own life reflect the spirit which makes a combat team successful. His actions in this near tragedy are especially laudatory and rate the highest respect and gratitude of all concerned.