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 Sergeant Joseph N. Wendling (ASN: 35001511), 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. Sergeant Wendling at great personal risk effected the rescue of three fellow soldiers from drowning. Exhausted from his efforts in saving the lives of the first two men, he rested briefly and then sawm after the third, who had been swept out into the harbor about a quarter mile. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Sergeant Wendling reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.