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 Willie B. Perkins (ASN: 6250701), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, while serving with Company E, 15th Infantry, in rescuing a soldier from drowning in American Lake, Washington, 27 May 1938. Private Perkins and a civilian were on the shore when they heard cries for help. With utter disregard of their own safety they unhesitatingly plunged into the extremely cold waters and swam to the assistance of the drowning man who had submerged and failed to come to the surface. On reaching the spot where the man had disappeared, Private Perkins dived to the bottom in about 20 feet of water, brought the unconscious man to the surface, and with the aid of the civilian towed him with much difficulty toward a small boat which had put out from the shore to their assistance. On reaching the boat, Private Perkins and the civilian momentarily released their hold on the unconscious man who immediately sank again to the bottom of the lake. Unhesitatingly, Private Perkins again dived to the bottom, brought the drowning man to the surface, and although he himself was almost exhausted finally succeeded in bringing him safely to shore, where he administered artificial respiration and thereby saved his life.