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 Sergeant First Class Harold W. Akers, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the United States Army Mission to Costa Rica, on the Sarapiqui River, Costa Rica, on 16 October 1958. While on the return trip from a the liaison via boat, a fellow soldier fell overboard into the river. The soldier could not swim and the river was heavily strewn with debris, and had a treacherous current and undertow. Sergeant Akers voluntarily, without hesitation, and with complete disregard for his own safety, jumped into the water, fully clothed, in an attempt to save the soldier’s life. After reaching the victim, Sergeant Akers struggled relentlessly to keep his comrade’s head above the water, but due to the overpowering current of the river the victim was eventually swept from his grasp and lost. His attempt to affect the rescue was so exhausting that on the verge of collapse, he had to be physically retrieved from the water by another soldier who was in the boat. Sergeant Akers’ courage and inspirational action in the face of great danger reflects credit on himself and are in keeping with honored traditions of the military service.