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 William C. Michaels (ASN: 33147300), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action in Sicily, on or about 10 July 1943. When a heavily burdened soldier of his company was struggling in a strong undertow after disembarking from a landing craft some distance from shore and was near collapse, Private Michaels, with the assistance of another enlisted man, went to the rescue and, after a long and difficult struggle, succeeded in rescuing him. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Private First Class Michaels reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.