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 (Corps of Engineers) Terrence E. Cooney, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 54th Engineer Battalion. On the afternoon of 22 December 1970, Lieutenant Cooney was directly responsible for saving a mother and her two small children from peril when a fire ignited on the third floor of building No. 8100 of the defendant housing area of McPheeters Barracks, Bad Hersfeld, Germany. The intense heat and smoke from the fire trapped the mother and her children in the quarters directly above the blazing apartment. When the fire started, Lieutenant Cooney realized the need for quick action. He immediately attempted to enter the stairwell, but was driven back by dense smoke and heat. Moments later, a noncommissioned officer enlisted Lieutenant Cooney’s assistance in another rescue attempt. Discovering that the wrought iron railing bordering the tile roof would not support his weight, the noncommissioned officer asked for Lieutenant Cooney’s help. Lieutenant Cooney, with a rope cinched around his waist, negotiated the steep snow and ice encrusted roof to the apartment window, some 40 feet above ground level. With the noncommissioned officer acting as an anchor, Lieutenant Cooney used the tether line to transfer the trapped residents to the window of the adjoining apartment. The heroic actions of Lieutenant Cooney averted a tragedy. The valorous actions of Lieutenant Cooney were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflected great credit on him and the military service.