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 Monroe H. Van Wagner (ASN: 35001437), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the 140th Field Artillery Battalion, 37th Infantry Division, in action in the South Pacific area on 27 October 1942. When two of his fellow soldiers were swept out to sea one-quarter mile off shore by a powerful undercurrent, Corporal Van Wagner swam at great personal risk to their assistance. Upon reaching the distressed men, he alternately held up one and then the other, and slowly worked them to safety aboard a raft that had been sent from shore. Thus by his courageous act, Corporal Van Wagner saved the lives of these men.