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 Richard N. Cleaver (ASN: RA-12370425), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company D 511th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on 21 August 1953. While participating in a parachute drop, Sergeant Cleaver, in the act of descending, glanced upward and observed a fellow parachutist falling through his suspension lines with a collapsed parachute. With great presence of mind and no thought of his personal safety, Sergeant Cleaver grabbed the top of the collapsed parachute and wrapped the suspension lines around his feet. The two men thus rode to the ground supported by the parachute of Sergeant Cleaver. The paratrooper with the collapsed parachute did not pull his emergency cord because of the proximity of himself to his rescuer. By his courageous and heroic action in this emergency and at the risk of his life, Sergeant Cleaver prevented serious injury or possibly death to his fellow soldier. Sergeant Cleaver’s courageous action reflects great credit on himself and the military service.