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 Captain [then Master Sergeant] Robert W. Tracy (AFSN: AF-20503028), United States Air Force, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while participating in the rescue of four survivors of a United States Navy PB4Y2 aircraft which crashed and burned in Argentia Harbor on 21 October 1947. He swam through ice cold water to the assistance of two survivors clinging to a life raft and aided in cutting it loose from the burning airplane, after which he swam and pushed the life raft ahead of him, with two survivors still clinging to it, until picked up by a boat. Sergeant Tracy’s utter disregard for personal safety, his initiative, and devotion to duty under dangerous and trying circumstances reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.