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 Sergeant William A. Acosta (ASN: 32541789), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the NINTH Army Air Force Base Unit, Brooklyn Army Base Terminal, New York Port of Embarkation, Brooklyn, New York, at Port Johnston Terminal, New York Port of Embarkation, Bayonne, New Jersey, on 5 September 1944. Three trailers, ammunition, 1-ton N10, rolled off a lighter in the course of loading and sank in approximately 20 feet of water. Sergeant Acosta, without thought of personal danger, repeatedly dived to the submerged vehicles despite the swift tide and abundance of oil and other refuse. He succeeded in fastening the necessary cable slings, which resulted in the raising of all three trailers in a short period of time, thus preventing the great amount of damage which would otherwise have been inflicted on these vehicles. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Sergeant Acosta, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.