The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Private David Y. Maxon, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Land Rescue Team, 25th Reconnaissance Company, on 18 March 1956 while participating in the rescue of two civilian youths in the Waiane Mountains south of Makua Valley, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii. The two youths, members of an ill-fated climbing party, became marooned, through a mishap, on a narrow ledge approximately 1,500 feet above the valley floor and 500 feet below the crest of the mountain. After assisting in the rescue of one of the boys, and although suffering extreme fatigue induced by the second arduous climb of that day from the valley floor, he volunteered to attempt the recovery of the remaining boy. Alone and in the dark, hampered by wind, mist, and wet ropes, Private Maxon managed to lower himself using the rappelling technique, 500 feet down the unfamiliar and treacherous face of the steep slope to the youth’s position. During this operation any mischance would have plunged him to his death 2,000 feet down the mountain. The boy, another team member, and Private Maxon were then hoisted to the top of the mountain. During this hazardous operation, Private Maxon displayed outstanding courage and determination, reflecting great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.