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 Technician Fifth Grade Joe C. Manning (ASN: 34886353), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with the 1303d Engineer General Service Regiment. During bridge construction operations near Deggendorf, Germany, on 11 May 1945, Technician Manning dove into the swiftly moving Danube River in an attempt to rescue a comrade who had slipped from a pier and was drowning. Although weakened by the frantic struggling of the drowning man, he continued his efforts until, as he was being dragged under the surface for the third time, a fellow soldier swam to him with a life preserver. Technician Manning’s heroic, unselfish actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.