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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Staff Sergeant] Wayne W. Gilmore (ASN: 0-2009584), United States Army, for heroism while serving with the 35th Infantry Division near ****, Germany, on 11 December 1944. To establish a beachhead across the **** River, a pontoon bridge had been erected, and troops proceeded to cross it. The weight of men grouped at the center of the bridge, caused it to sag three feet below the river’s surface, as a result of which several men were washed into the water’s swift and icy flow. In the extreme darkness, some men drowned, others floundered about helplessly. Lieutenant Gilmore, carrying a radio and other equipment, acted quickly. Completing the crossing, he disposed of his valuable equipment, then plunged into the freezing current, pulling three men to safety. Not until he had guided the remainder of the troops safely across the footbridge, did he give thought to his own wet and shivering condition. The heroism of Lieutenant Gilmore reflects great credit upon him and upon the organization of which he is a member.