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 Larry L. Keith, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery C, 718th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion, in the vicinity of Fort Funston, California on 26 February 1953. A deep sea fishing boat Muskie of San Francisco ran aground on a sand bar approximately 150 yards off shore with four civilian men aboard. Two men gained shore, injuring themselves in the process, and approached the area for Battery C for aid for the other two men. Upon a request for volunteers by the battery commander to attempt a rescue, Private Keith unhesitatingly volunteered and immediately went on foot to the scene of the accident approximately 1 mile away. By this time, high winds and heavy breakers were breaking up the boat. The two men remaining with the boat, because of injuries, cold, dangerous undertow, and heavy seas, were clinging to the wreckage. Private Keith, with complete disregard for his safety, waded into the sea toward the boat and aided in the recovery of one of the injured civilians who was washed overboard by a huge breaker. He then again entered the water and aided in bringing the second injured men to shore. The heroism displayed by Private Keith reflects great credit on himself and the military service.