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 [then Private First Class] Marvin D. Toleson, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while a member of the 29th Engineer Company (Survey, Base) in Thailand, from 9 September to 14 September 1955. Specialist Toleson was the sole military member with a Filipino contract survey party in an isolated mountainous jungle near Ban Lawa, Thailand. On 9 September, while attempting aerial re-supply of the group, a light aircraft crashed and burned, killing the five occupants. Fully aware of the hazards involved, Specialist Toleson swam the flooded Khwae Moi River to the scene of the tragedy and despite the intense heat, directed rescue operations. After dispatching messengers with the crash report, he found a guard, recovered and identified the dead and conducted a prayer service. Later, he constructed a raft, led a Filipino group in preparing the remains for transport to the nearest railroad and served as accompanying escort to Kanburi. Specialist Toleson’s exemplary conduct and capacity for prompt, courageous action won the respect and admiration of all who observed him, reflecting great credit on himself in the military service.