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 Corporal Leslie J. Ponder (ASN: 31301509), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Company B, *** Engineer Combat Battalion, XII Corps, in action on 30 January 1945, in Luxembourg. On this date, Company B had the mission of building a 380-foot Double-Double, Double-Single Bailey Bridge across the Sauer River at Bettendorf, Luxembourg. While in the process of clearing the river channel, Corporal Butters and his squad had the mission of constructing a high line to be used for the transportation of crib material to intermediate piers. The initial guy line was put into a rubber reconnaissance boat and was carried across the river by two members of Corporal Butters’ squad. On the return trip the fast current swept away the reconnaissance boat from under the two men and left them dangling in the middle of the river. Corporal Butters, without regard for personal safety, grabbed a rope and jumped into the river. He tied the rope around the two men and with additional help hauled them to safety. The unselfish attitude, initiative and devotion to duty of Corporal Butters reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.