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 Ronald A. Rout, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy following the crash-landing of a C-124 aircraft on a sandbar in the Han River Estuary on 22 February 1957. After the crash-landing he assembled injured personnel, collected dry clothing and treated the survivors for shock and exposure to the icy water. The immediate and effective assistance rendered by Private Rout prior to the arrival of qualified medical personnel prevented serious injury to many of the survivors. His unselfish and heroic actions were accomplished with complete disregard for his own safety or comfort and were rendered exceedingly difficult because of freezing cold, darkness and danger of being swept into the current by the steadily rising and fast flowing tide waters. Debris scattered about the crash site and jagged edges on the plane created an additional hazard top his personal safety. Private Rout’s exemplary action during this hazardous incident is indicative of a high degree of leadership ability and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.