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 Joseph R. Huggins (ASN: 6942762), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, while serving with Company L, 31st Infantry, in assisting in the rescue of an enlisted man from drowning in the Pasig River in the vicinity of the Post of Manila, Philippine Islands, at 9:30 p.m., 5 August 1938. On hearing cries for help from an enlisted man who had become exhausted while swimming fully clothed in the Pasig River, Private Huggins, with utter disregard of his personal safety, plunged into the stream and swam to the assistance of the struggling man. Despite the darkness of the night and the swift current which was sweeping the helpless man rapidly downstream. Private Huggins finally succeeded in reaching him, and with the aid of several other enlisted men who also had responded to the cry for help brought him safely to shore. The heroism displayed by Private Huggins on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.