The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Bernard T. Barrett, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company A, 2d Airborne Battle Group, 501st Infantry, on 22 April 1962, while in maneuvers near Rowlesburg, West Virginia. When Specialist Barrett was informed that a girl was clinging to a canoe which capsized near the far shore of the icy, treacherous Cheat River, he unhesitatingly volunteered his services in the rescue effort. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he plunged into the swollen river and fought the swift current and cold waters with unfaltering perseverance and courage in an attempt to reach the stricken girl. As he neared the far shore, he appeared to tread water for a moment, then was suddenly swept downstream over some violent rapids, and lost his life. Specialist Barrett’s heroic action and self-sacrifice was in the highest tradition of the United States Army, and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.