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 Major (Transportation Corps) Leonidas W. Best, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, on the night of 22 February 1957. Major Best’s detachment was one of the group of aviation units assigned the mission of rescuing survivors of a C-124 aircraft which crash landed on a sandbar in the Han River Estuary. In a desperate race against the rapidly rising tide waters and a mounting danger to the survivors from continued exposure to the water elements, he directed the evacuation flights of the helicopters under extremely hazardous conditions. With disregard to his own safety or comfort he worked in the ice filled river with the rising tide reaching his armpits, supervising the flights, loading the survivors, and directing search operations. Despite the hazards of the helicopter rotor blades, the swift current of the rising tide, and full awareness of the danger of hovering aircraft overhead, Major Best resolutely and unhesitatingly performed his duty, thereby contributing immeasurably to the completely successful rescue mission. His unhesitating and courageous action in the face of grave danger coupled with complete disregard for his own safety, reflects great credit on himself, his unit, and the military service.