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 Master Sergeant Wilfred C. Gernandt, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Detachment, United States Army Garrison, Fort Chaffey, Arkansas, at Clear Creek, Silver Bridge, Mountainburg, Arkansas, on 8 June 1959. When a search was conducted to rescue a young boy believed lost in the treacherous and murky Clear Creek waters, Sergeant Gernandt, unhesitatingly and without regard for his own personal safety, volunteered his services in an effort to locate the child. Despite the many hazards of large boulders and swift channelized currents, he made repeated attempts in a continuous pursuit which involved diving to depths of 10 to 15 feet, and remained submerged for long periods in the murky waters on the rocky river bottom to locate the victim. Sergeant Gernandt persisted in his efforts after all others had abandoned the search. Alone, and already taxed to the limit of his endurance he finally succeeded in finding the child’s body on the bottom of the river and brought the boy to the surface where others assisted him in carrying him ashore. Artificial respiration which was promptly administered, revived the young victim. Sergeant Gernandt’s timely and accurate analysis of the situation, self determination and utter disregard for his own life were solely instrumental in the location and recovery which ultimately saved the boy’s life. His heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army, and reflect distinct credit upon himself in the military service.