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 Mamoru Shimizu (ASN: RA-30126275), 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. Although suffering extreme fatigue induced by the second arduous climb of that day from the valley floor, Sergeant Shimizu immediately and unhesitatingly undertook to rescue the two lads. With complete disregard for his own safety, hampered by wind, mist, and gathering darkness, he began the descent by rope rappel. Making his way down the unfamiliar and treacherous slope, he descended approximately 500 feet before reaching the ledge. During this operation any mischance would have plunged him to his death 2,000 feet down the mountain. He thereupon secured the youths, one at a time, to the rope and saw them pulled to safety, and then regained the top of the mountain himself in the same manner. The following morning, he led the entire party to a site from which the operation could be completed by helicopter. Throughout this operation, Sergeant displayed great courage, consummate skill and outstanding leadership which reflect great credit on himself and his unit and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.