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 (Transportation Corps) Paul P. Robinette, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 459th Transportation Company (Amphibious Truck), (USAR), United States Army Corps (Reserve), during a major flood at Eastlake and Willoughby Hills, Ohio, on 21 and 22 January 1959. While voluntarily participating in the rescue and evacuation of stranded civilians in flooded areas, Lieutenant Robinette, accompanied by an enlisted member of his unit, repeatedly drove and amphibious truck (DUKW) into the treacherous floodwaters and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, assisted in the rescue of more than one hundred persons. On one occasion, with the assistance of a member of his unit, Lieutenant Robinette effected the rescue of an entire family whose home was situated on the very bank of a swollen ice choked stream. Balked in his first effort to rescue the family by submerged vehicles blocking his only approach to the house, he arranged for the removal of these vehicles and, on a second attempt, successfully made his way to the home through swift currents and dangerous obstacles that momentarily threatened to capsize or immobilize the vehicle which he was driving. Only by great skill and effort was he able to maneuver the DUKW back through the floodwaters to a place of safety. Although exhausted, cold, and wet from many trips into the ice clogged currents, he continued to assist in the rescue operations for nearly 20 hours without sleep or rest. Lieutenant Robinette’s courageous and unselfish action in risking his life in this hazardous situation reflects great credit on himself and the military service.