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 First Class Elmus V. James, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on the night of 22 February 1957 in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, when the C-124 aircraft on which he was a passenger developed engine trouble shortly after takeoff and crash-landed on a sandbar in the Han River, bursting into flames on impact. Ignoring his own personal safety and with complete disregard for his own life he assisted injured survivors in the vicinity of the burning aircraft, carrying two of them to safety. Private James did not heed the warnings of the pilot as to the danger of explosion. He went within the vicinity of the burning aircraft in order to ascertain if any individuals were trapped inside. After the explosion he continued to help others less fortunate than himself despite the ever present danger to his own life from working in the steadily rising and fast flowing tide waters. Private James actions in the face of extreme danger brought great credit on himself and the military service.