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 Private First Class William C. Leathers, Jr., Massachusetts National Guard, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery A, 102d Field Artillery Battalion, on Long Island Sound on 19 July 1949. When a fellow member of his battery fell overboard during a fishing trip, Private Leathers unhesitatingly dived overboard, fully clothed, to swim to his rescue. Although the victim was unable to swim and he had gone down several times, Private Leathers skillfully managed to overcome his struggles and keep his head above water until a boat reached them. By his conspicuous courage and disregard for personal safety, Private Leathers upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.