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 (Corps of Engineers) Richard W. Auth, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the Inter-American Geodetic Survey, Colombian Project, Bogot‡, Columbia, at El Refugio, Columbia, during the period 19 through 21 March 1960. Lieutenant Auth was one of the pilots of an Army H-19 Helicopter arriving at the scene of a Catalina type aircraft which crashed with fourteen persons aboard in an inaccessible area of dense jungle and high trees. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, and despite the many hazards involved, he descended from the helicopter on a 150-foot rope with a portable radio and reported the number and condition of survivors. He remained for 3 days in the dense dangerous jungle, aiding survivors and directing rescue operations from that spot, and his determined efforts resulted in the ultimate evacuation of all eight survivors. The strong perseverance, bold leadership, and courageous heroism which he demonstrated throughout this rescue operation inspired both the victims and members of the rescue team, and contributed materially to the outstanding success realized in that overall effort . Lieutenant Auth’s exemplary heroism under dangerous and difficult circumstances is worthy of emulation, and reflects the utmost credit upon himself, the Corps of Engineers, and the military service.