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 Douglas M. Pridgeon, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company G, 508th Airborne Infantry Regiment, distinguished himself by heroism on 26 September 1955 near Beppu, Japan. While participating in a training jump at approximately 1,250 feet, a comrade whose parachute failed to open, collided with Private Pridgeon’s inflated canopy, and started to fall to the ground. Fully aware of the danger involved, and that his own parachute might collapse, Private Pridgeon reached out and grabbed the lines of the unopened parachute. As he did this, the deflated canopy whipped around his suspension lines, drawing them together and reducing the air content of his parachute. For a moment both men dropped sharply but, wrapping the twisted parachute around his body, Private Pridgeon supported his fellow paratrooper until they both landed safely. Private Pridgeon’s quick thinking and prompt courageous actions saved his companion’s life, reflecting utmost credit on himself and upholding the traditions of the military service.