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 (Field Artillery) Ward D. McDonald, 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. Transport PRESIDENT COOLIDGE. Lieutenant McDonald and another officer with a rope, assisted men up the ladder and through the starboard gangway. The heroism he displayed on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.