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 Claude J. Johnson (ASN: 37737428), 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 engaged in ferrying troops, supplies, and evacuation needs across the Sauer River, Private First Class Johnson with two other members of the boat crew and a number of PWs, were thrown into the river as their boat was overturned by the swift current. Private First Class Johnson, clinging to the overturned boat, saw Sergeant Coughlin, who was unable to swim, in the raging current keeping himself above the water by clinging to some debris. Private First Class Johnson, disregarding his outer garments, unhesitatingly swam to their rescue. By this courageous act beyond the call of duty, Private First Class Johnson succeeded in saving the lives of both men.