The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Private John J. Toohey (ASN: 6981691), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, while serving with Battery C, 2d Field Artillery, at Fort Clayton, Canal Zone, on 10 October 1940. Private Toohey observed that a noncommissioned officer who was attempting to disperse a group of men in the execution of his office was suddenly set upon by two of them. Private Toohey, although not upon duty which would have caused him to do so, with utter disregard of his personal safety, rushed to the assistance of the noncommissioned officer and engaged the man who was assaulting him from the rear. In the ensuing fray Private Toohey received a knife wound at the hands of the assailant, which wound later caused his death. His prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved the noncommissioned officer from death or serious injury. The heroism displayed by Private Toohey on this occasion reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.