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 William J. Cheney (ASN: 32968941), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with the enemy while serving with Anti-tank Company, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, on 10 June 1945, in the vicinity of Reicholzsheim, Germany. On the afternoon of 10 June 1945 two members of the Anti-tank Company were boating on the Tauber River, while Private First Class Cheney was on the bank of the river watching them. The boat in which the men were was made from an auxiliary gas tank of an airplane. The two men were wedged in the small opening of the boat. Suddenly the boat was caught in the swift current of the river and overturned, pinning both men underneath the boat. The manner in which the men were wedged into the boat made it impossible for them to extricate themselves. The were battling grave danger. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his personal safety, realizing their predicament, Private First Class Cheney jumped into the river and went to their rescue. When he reached the scene, both were battling furiously with the current. Struggling against the current, Private First Class Cheney was finally successful in prying the men loose from the boat. Then with each of them clinging to the overturned boat, he guided them to quieter waters and to safety. This is particularly an outstanding achievement for Private First Class Cheney, who is not adept as a swimmer. The courage displayed by Private First Class Cheney in this act reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.