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 Edward Duda (ASN: 7022378), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, while serving with Battery B, 70th Coast Artillery (AA), in rescuing two women from drowning in the Atlantic Ocean off Sullivan’s Island near Fort Moultrie, South Carolina, 19 July 1940. Hearing cries for help and seeing that two women were caught in the strong undertow and were being carried out into deep, treacherous water, and were in grave danger of drowning, Private Duda and another enlisted man who were in swimming at the time, with utter disregard of their own safety, swam to their assistance. Although exhausted by the struggles of the semiconscious and drowning women, Private Duda and his companion with great difficulty and exceptional bravery succeeded in keeping them afloat until help arrived to bring them safely to shore, thereby saving their lives. The heroism displayed by Private Duda on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.