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 Specialist Fifth Class Charles T. Rigney (ASN: RA-53358061), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 48 Infantry at approximately 2000 hours in the vicinity of Lieblos, Germany on as 10 December 1965. An M-60 Tank had plunged off a bridge into the Kinzig River, overturned and trapped a soldier within the tank. The night was dark and extremely cold. The river was flooded, fast-moving and muddy. Realizing that the soldier probably could not free himself, Specialist Four Rigney with complete disregard for his own safety, volunteered to attempt the rescue of the soldier. Entering the freezing water, Specialist Rigney dived without equipment through the hatch to the soldier, freed him by removing the equipment which entrapped him, and returned him to the shore for medical care; The soldier could not be revived. Specialist Rigney’s courageous action to save the entrapped soldier under difficult and hazardous conditions reflect his unselfish and comradely spirit and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.