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 Sergeant Herbert C. Phipps, 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 on maneuvers near Rowlesburg, West Virginia. When Sergeant Phipps 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 while he fought the swift current and cold waters to reach the girl, she lost her hold on the canoe and disappeared. Upon reaching the far shore, he learned that one of his comrades, who also participated in the rescue effort, had been swept into the nearby rapids and disappeared. With unfaltering perseverance and courage, he spent several hours in diving and searching the banks of the dangerous river trying to locate the bodies of the two victims. Sergeant Phipps’ heroic action is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.