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 First Class Lawrence J. Hurley (ASN: US-51180120), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 6 May 1953, in the vicinity of Sachong-Ni, North Korea. While swimming in a river with other members of his company, Private Hurley immediately responded to a cry for help from a comrade who was struggling in the water near the opposite shore. Without hesitation and disregarding his own personal safety, Private Hurley set out across the rushing current to the aid of his comrade who was in serious trouble. The swift, dangerous current had already thwarted the efforts of one would-be-rescuer and by the time Private Hurley reached him, his comrade was unconscious and disappearing under the water. Struggling against the force of the river, Private Hurley grabbed and managed to hold his comrade’s head above the water and bring him to safer water where they both were aided to shore by others. The unselfish actions and heroism of Private Hurley saved a soldier’s life and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.