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 Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Ralph E. Nelson (ASN: 36226946), United States Army, for heroism in the vicinity of *****, France, on 12 December 1944, while serving with Company K, 410th Infantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division. Prior to an attack on a village, a fellow soldier was attempting to cross a turbulent, flood-swollen mountain river when he stepped in deep water and was carried away by the rushing current. Sergeant Nelson immediately ran down-stream to a point ahead of his drowning comrade. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he courageously dived into the icy waters and swam safely to shore with his heavy burden. Although chilled from the icy water and rain he sought an aid man to care for his half-drowned comrade, while he reconnoitered the stream to find a footbridge where his comrades could safely cross. As a result of his heroic action, a comrade’s life was saved and the safe crossing of his other comrades was assured.