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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas C. Richardson, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 2 April 1965 while serving as Assistant Training Officer, 2d Battalion, 13th Infantry, during a river crossing operation on the Rhein River back waters near Lampertheim, Germany. After all of the armored personnel carriers had successfully crossed the river, Lieutenant Richardson was on the bank of the river when a carrier entered the water again for its second flotation, suddenly tipped forward, and sank to the bottom of the river with the driver and vehicle commander inside. Lieutenant Richardson swiftly removed his boots and, with complete disregard for his own safety, dove into the unfamiliar waters in an attempt to free the two trapped soldiers in the sunken vehicle. Upon reaching the submerge carrier, he located the occupants, aided them in their escape from the vehicle, and then helped them out of water to the safety of the shore. Lieutenant Richardson’s prompt actions heroic conduct, and profound concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. [This award supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal awarded for heroism 2 on April 1965, as announced in General Orders Number 89, Headquarters, 8th Infantry Division, APO U.S. Forces 09011, dated 1 June 1965.]