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 Second Class [then Specialist Third Class] Robert E. Martin, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the Medical Company, 503d Airborne Infantry, at Rock Drop Zone, Munich, Germany, on 5 June 1956. While participating in a routine training jump from an aircraft in flight a soldier who exited the aircraft shortly after Specialist Martin fell through the suspension lines of Specialist Martin’s parachute. Specialist Martin, displaying quick thinking, grabbed the lines of the fellow soldier’s parachute. This action slowed his fall enough so that Specialist Martin could grasp the canopy of the deflated parachute. During the descent, the extra weight on Specialist Martin’s parachute caused many of the suspension lines to snap. Despite the grave danger to himself Specialist Martin held the canopy of the deflated parachute until the two paratroopers reached the ground. Specialist Martin’s prompt and courageous action reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the tradition of the military service.