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 Eddie E. Garrett` (ASN: 34807166), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the 1135th Engineer Combat Group, XII Corps, in action on 18 May 1945, in Germany. When a building occupied by German civilians caught fire and almost instantaneously burst into a roaring inferno leaving trapped inside a small German child, Private Garrett without regard for his personal safety rushed into the flaming structure and dragged the child to safety. By his daring action under the most adverse circumstances this intrepid soldier not only saved the life of the child but also demonstrated to the gathered German civilians the courage and bravery possessed by the American Soldier. The conduct of Private Garrett 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.