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 Edward J. Gallagher (ASN: 32812449), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with the 11th Airborne Division on Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 11 January 1945. With utter disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Gallagher swam to the aid of a drowning soldier and assisted in rescuing him.