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 Ernest F. Randell, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company A, 981st Engineer Construction Battalion, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 2 September 1953. Private Randall was a member of an assault-boat crew when the boat overturned on Smith Lake. All the men in the water were in a state of panic. With total disregard for his personal safety and realizing the danger, he unhesitatingly attempted to rescue his fellow soldiers. He saw a man floundering in the water. A 5-gallon gas can was floating nearby and Private Randall pushed it to the man. The man grasped it and remained afloat until rescued from the water. While swimming for shore, he came upon another man, whom he assisted to a place of safety. Private Randall’s prompt actions and indomitable courage reflect the highest credit on himself and the military service.