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 James J. Walsh, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 36th Engineer Base Depot Company, Adak, Alaska, on 14 March 1948. When the boat in which Sergeant Donald L. Hilte, a fellow soldier and member of the company, was riding in Andrews Lagoon overturned about 200 feet from shore, Sergeant Walsh stripped off his outer clothes and, without regard for his safety, unhesitatingly jumped into the ice cold water and swam toward Sergeant Hilte to rescue him. Sergeant Hilte disappeared before Sergeant Walsh could reach him. Sergeant Walsh returned to shore completely exhausted and suffering from exposure. His heroic action nearly cost his life.