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 Captain (Corps of Engineers) John H. Thomson, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 28 October 1969 as he voluntarily risk his life in order to save the lives of a women and her unborn child. Captain Thomson, a battalion adviser to the Liberian Army, Liberia, West Africa, was inspecting a road construction project. Arriving at the project, it was discovered that the 32 foot bridge crossing the Via River had been washed out by heavy tropical rains. The bridge was caught on a large sunken tree in the middle of the raging river which was cresting 15 feet above normal. On the far shore, a woman was trapped. In labor and about ready to deliver her child, she was trying to reach the Konia Medical Clinic located on the near side of the river. If she did not reach the clinic before the child was born, both mother and child could die. The only way to save woman was to get her across the river. Without regard for his own safety, Captain Thomson tied a rope around his waist and waded into the raging floodwaters. Fighting the swift current, he swam out and secured the rope to the bridge. Another advisor then came out to the bridge to assist him. Cautiously working their way to the far end of the bridge, being careful not to be swept off the deck of the half submerged structure, they threw a rope to the far shore. The woman tied this rope to a tree. Captain Thomson then tied another rope around his waist and eased himself into the rushing water. Working hand over hand across the rope, he pulled himself up on the far shore. He then tied this rope around the pregnant woman making a shoulder harness. With the assistance of several people on the shore, Captain Thomson and the advisor on the bridge successfully pulled the woman to shore and safety. She was then taken to the medical clinic where she delivered her child. Captain Thomson’s heroic actions were in the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on him, the United States Military Mission to Liberia, and the United States Army.