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 John F. Higgins, United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, at sea on 26 October 1942, at the time of the sinking of the U.S. Army Transport PRESIDENT COOLIDGE. When the ship started to settle, Private Higgins and an officer with a rope assisted men up the ladder and through the starboard gangway. He was trying to pull up the last officer remaining below when he was swept into the water as the ship went under. The heroism displayed by Private Higgins on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.