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 Colonel (Infantry), [then Lieutenant Colonel] Edgar J. Tulley, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in saving the lives of his Army and civilian companions after an accident in the China Sea off the west coast of Bataan, near Nagbalete Point, Philippine Islands on 9 March 1941. While a group of officers and men were returning from theira fishing trip, the banca in which they were riding suddenly overturned, throwing the entire group into the sea about 100 yards off shore in shark and barracuda-infested waters. All helped one another to safety on the overturned banca and, by paddling with their hands, managed to bring the banca within 200 feet of shore, when it was caught in a cross-current and gradually drew out to sea. Realizing the danger, Colonel Tulley and an enlisted man, with utter disregard for their safety, swam ashore and with great difficulty reached the Signal Corps camp in Bataan, about two hours after the accident. Upon the Signal Corps reporting the accident to Fort Mills, Philippine Islands, a motor launch was immediately dispatched and rescued the remaining members of the group. The heroism displayed by Colonel Tulley on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.