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 Specialist Third Class James F. Hatcher, United States Army, for heroism at Geyserville, California on 22 December 1955. Upon learning of the plight of two children marooned in a house in the floodwaters of the Russian River, Specialist Hatcher voluntarily jumped from the helicopter on which he was crew chief to affect their rescue with full knowledge that he could not be rescued if he were swept away in the flood. The helicopter could not land on the house nor could it hover in the immediate vicinity because of trees and power lines but could hover only in a spot approximately 100 yards away. Alternately wading and swimming through the debris-filled and raging current, Specialist Hatcher reached the house. Placing one of the stranded children on his back and holding the other he made his way back to the helicopter. The heroism and selfless devotion to duty reflect great credit on Specialist Hatcher and the military service.