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 Private James J. Case (ASN: 6358184), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, while serving with Company I, 14th Infantry, in rescuing a soldier from drowning in the Panama Canal, 24 December 1939. While riding in a motorboat, a soldier endeavoring to change his place in the boat lost his balance and fell into the canal. Private Case who was fishing nearby, seeing that the man was in grave danger of drowning, immediately went to his assistance. With utter disregard of his personal safety, Private Case plunged into the water, swam to the point where the drowning man had disappeared, pulled him to the surface and with great difficulty towed the unconscious and struggling man to shore. The heroism displayed by Private Case on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.