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 Specialist Fifth Class Laurance R. Mathews, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Command and Control Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N. C., on 24 August 1958. Specialist Mathews was swimming at Wrightsville Beach, Wrightsville, N.C., when he heard a cry for help from a man who had drifted too far out on a raft which capsized in heavy waves approximately 200 yards from shore. Despite the fact he had been in the water for some time and was beginning to tire, Specialist Mathews , without hesitation or concern for his own personal safety, swam out to aid the struggling man. The man was torn from the raft by the choppy waters and, fearing for his life because he could not swim, began screaming and struggling in panic, making his rescue extremely hazardous. After prolonged and exhaustive swimming, and despite the scratches inflicted about his head and shoulders by the floundering man, Specialist Mathews managed to tow the victim to the pilings and was repeatedly pushed by the choppy waters against sharp barnacles on that structure which caused him lacerations and cuts about his body. He remained with the man, holding him afloat until he was able to bring the drowning man close enough to shore to receive a life buoy from the beach. Specialist Mathews’ sustained courage, presence of mind, and unselfish actions saved the man’s life, and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.