The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Private First Class Marie Lavrich, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy during the dates indicated is awarded to Private First Class Marie Lavrich, 1234th Service Command Unit, WAC Detachment, Army of the United States, stationed at the Army Service Forces Convalescent Hospital, Camp Upton, New York. Private Lavrich went to the aid of a drowning fellow WAC who was being carried out in rough water by a strong undertow at West Hampton Beach, New York, on 22 July 1945. Swimming through the high waves and surf for approximately 100 feet, she reached the helpless WAC and pulled her safely to shore, after two others had made gallant but unsuccessful attempts to save the drowning woman. Private Lavrich’s heroic act reflects great credit on herself and the Women’s Army Corps.