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 Raymond P. Durand, United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on 7 May 1944, at Pass-A-Crille Beach, Florida. On that date, a woman swimming about 100 yards off shore became exhausted and sank and was in imminent danger of drowning. At the risk of his life, Private Durand plunged into the swift current and strong undertow and skillfully brought the hysterical woman safely to shore. The heroism displayed by Private Durand on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.