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 Major (Quartermaster Department) John B. Casseday, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, in rescuing civilians from drowning during a flood at Riverside, California, on 2-3 March 1938. On the night of 2 March 1938, when the dam of a lake burst releasing a mass of water into an already flooded area, the lives of a large number of men, women, and children marooned in trees and vehicles in the path of the onrushing flood were endangered and several were drowned. Major Casseday, who had been placed in charge of the relief work being undertaken by military personnel, twice led a rescue party in a truck into the flooded area over an ill-defined water-covered highway, and with utter disregard of his own safety personally left the truck and entered the deep, swift, debris-filled waters and fearlessly led and assisted the members of his party in removing to safety all of the remaining refugees in the vicinity, thereby saving their lives. Later, Major Casseday directed and personally assisted in the rescue of many other persons whose lives were endangered by the swirling flood waters. The heroism and leadership displayed by Major Casseday on these occasions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.