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 Staff Sergeant William C. Patterson (ASN: 36448741), United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while a member of the United States Army Recruiting Station, Chattanooga, Tennessee, on 26 April 1946. While driving among submerged rocks into deep and icy waters of a lake, Staff Sergeant Patterson rescued three men whose car had plunged over the bank. To save one of the men, he swam more than halfway across the swift and treacherous waters, revived the man by artificial respiration, and steadfastly continued care and treatment of the men and their families. Staff Sergeant Patterson’s courageous actions and presence of mind reflect great credit on himself and the military service.