Talbot, John Mayo, Brig Gen

Soldier's Medal
Awarded for actions during the Peace Time Awards
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 Lieutenant Colonel (Medical Corps), [then Captain] John M. Talbot, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in extricating an enlisted man from an overturned airplane on 9 December 1940, at Clear Lake, California. When an OA-9 airplane in which Colonel Talbot was on duty as flight surgeon went out of control, crashed, and overturned in the lake about one and one-half miles from shore, Colonel Talbot, finding himself in an upside down position suspended by his safety belt, observed that a man was lying unconscious below him crosswise of the fuselage and in grave danger of drowning. With utter disregard for his safety, in the face of in-rushing water and imminent sinking of the airplane, Colonel Talbot immediately unfastened his safety belt, removed the unconscious man from the submerged cabin, and brought him to the surface of the water, undoubtedly saving his life. Although suffering from immersion and shock, with great presence of mind Colonel Talbot clambered about administering first aid to the badly wounded crew members. Fearing immediate sinking of the airplane, he then attempted to brave the cold water and swim ashore for help, but becoming exhausted, was forced to return to the airplane.