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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Howard K. Knapp (ASN: 0-3001711), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with the enemy while serving with the 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Pisa, Italy. On 8 April 1945, the first battalion was engaged in river crossing maneuvers. During this action, an assault boat capsized and submerged with fourteen men on board. The men were all heavily laden in battle dress, making it difficult for them to swim or even stay above water. Lieutenant Knapp observed this catastrophe from a nearby boat. Realizing that several of these men could not swim or help themselves, Lieutenant Knapp immediately dived into the cold river, swam to one man who was drowning. Seizing this soldier by the collar, Lieutenant Knapp pulled him to safety. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Knapp then swam to the aid of another drowning man. Grabbing this soldier by the hair, Lieutenant Knapp dragged him to the nearest boat. Fatigues but determined, Lieutenant Knapp again moved out into the stream and assisted another troubled soldier to the safety of a boat. Then, upon hearing cries from one of the boats, Lieutenant Knapp’s attention was directed to a soldier who had already sunk below the surface twice, and was unable to help himself. Lieutenant Knapp mustered all of his remaining strength and swam quickly to the aid of this man. Realizing the drowning struggles of this man would possibly endanger his own safety, Lieutenant Knapp dived under water and came up in back of this man, grabbed him by the hair and then swam towards the shore and safety. By the time that Lieutenant Knapp reached shore, he was so exhausted and numbed by the cold water that it required five men to help him out. His heroism at the risk of his own life will long be remembered by the men of his battalion.