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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Forest L. Clough, Jr., 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. Lieutenant Clough was one of a group of helicopter pilots assigned to the mission of rescuing survivors of a C-125 aircraft which had crash-landed on a sandbar in the Han River Estuary. In a desperate race against the rapidly rising tide and the danger to the survivors from continued exposure to the winter elements, he made several flights to the crash site under extremely hazardous conditions to evacuate survivors who were huddled on the sandbar or on ice flows in the river. With practically no illumination, he landed his helicopter in as much as 30 inches of water. Despite darkness, density of aircraft in the air, and inadequate landing areas at the crash site, and with full awareness that an aircraft failure or misjudgment could result in his death or serious injury, Lieutenant Clough 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, with complete disregard for his own safety, reflects great credit on himself, his unit, and the military service.