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 Haskell C. Wilkison (ASN: 6650934), United States Army, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with the Detachment Quartermaster Corps, on 13 October 1932, in rescuing Private Peter J. Tonchen from drowning at Kawailao Beach, Private Tonchen was caught in a strong out-current and, due to exhaustion, was in grave danger of drowning. With utter disregard of his own safety, Private Wilkison who was not a strong swimmer voluntarily swam through the heavy surf and carried a plank to Private Tonchen, thus enabling him to keep his head above water until he was rescued by means of a raft.