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 Henry R. Acker (ASN: 32111164), United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, in assisting in rescuing a woman from a burning cabin cruiser in Narragansett Bay, near Fort Adams, Rhode Island, on 14 July 1941. On hearing cries for help coming from a burning cabin cruiser occupied by a man and a woman, approximately one-half mile from shore, Private Acker, with utter disregard of personal safety, voluntarily swam through treacherous waters to the burning boat. Upon being told that there was grave danger of a more serious explosion aboard, Private Acker, and another enlisted man who had also swum out to the cruiser, convinced the woman occupant who could not swim, to enter the water, and after adjusting her life preserver safely towed her through the one-half mile of treacherous waters to shore, thereby saving her life. The heroism displayed by Private Acker on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.