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 Juan A. Santiago, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 7538th Army Unit, Replacement Training Center. Camp Tortuguero, Puerto Rico, at Puerto Rico Beach, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico on 28 April 1954. Hearing calls for help, Sergeant Santiago quickly determined the location of a soldier who was in dire distress at a point approximately 50 feet off-shore in water about 15 feet in depth. Unhesitatingly, he plunged into the water. Reaching the scene he dived twice in an attempt to effect a rescue and was forced to resurface for air. Then despite his own exhausted condition, Sergeant Santiago made a third attempt and located his comrade. He grasped him by his swimming trunks, later shifting his grip to the soldier’s hair, and brought him safely to nearby rocks. There he promptly initiated artificial respiration procedures and succeeded in reviving his comrade. Sergeant Santiago’s prompt and courageous actions during the rescue reflect great credit on himself and the military service.