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 J. Nevius, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, while serving with Headquarters Troop, 104th Cavalry, Pennsylvania National Guard, in rescuing civilians from drowning during a flood in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on 19 March 1936. When a number of people were marooned in their homes by the rapidly rising flood waters, Private Nevius and another enlisted man, with utter disregard of their personal safety, voluntarily went to their assistance in an abandoned oarless rowboat using two boards as paddles. Despite the difficulty of maneuvering their small boat in the swift current of the narrow street, Private Nevius and his companion, making several trips, removed to safety a large number of the refugees. On the final trip, after Private Nevius and his companion had taken aboard a woman and a small child, their boat went out of control, struck a telegraph pole and capsized, throwing the occupants into the deep, swiftly flowing water. Without hesitation, Private Nevius quickly grasped the frightened and struggling woman and swam with her to a place of safety, thereby saving her life. The heroism displayed by Private Nevius on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.