The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Oscar Vitan, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery C, 4th Missile Battalion (NIKE-HERCULES), 61st Artillery, on 18 April 19 29. While on a fishing trip on the San Joaquin River, California, one of his companions accidentally slipped and fell from the boat into the fast, treacherous water. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Vitan immediately jumped fully clad into the water in an attempt to rescue the struggling man. When rescue attempts proved unsuccessful he refused to relinquish his hold on the elderly man and remained with him until they both were carried downstream and drowned. Sergeant Vitan’s dauntless courage, heroic action, and unselfish regard for his fellow man at the sacrifice of his own life, reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.