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 Technician Fourth Grade Edward S. Blanchard (ASN: 34658338), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the *** Engineer Combat Battalion, XII Corps, in action on 12 February 1945, in Luxembourg. While ferrying supplies across the Sauer River, Technician Fourth Grade Blanchard risked his life to save an infantryman who had been thrown into the swift current of the river when his raft overturned. Hearing the screams of the man as he was being swept downstream, Technician Fourth Grade Blanchard plunged into the cold waters of the Sauer River. By this courageous act over and beyond the call of duty, he succeeded in saving the life of the Infantryman. Technician Fourth Grade Blanchard’s heroic accomplishment was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the Military Forces of the United States.