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 Fifth Grade James M. Shannon (ASN: 20515620), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the Medical Detachment, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action at Guadalcanal on 9 May 1943. Corporal Shannon swam the raging current of the Matanikaw River several times at the risk of his own life in order to recover needed valuable medical supplies which had been swept into the main channel of the river when continued rainfall caused it to overflow its banks. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Corporal Shannon reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.