The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Technician Fourth Grade Shigeomi Shiroishi (ASN: 36920049), United States Army, for heroism in the Southwest Pacific Area on 30 October 1945. While crossing the Pasig River, Manila, Philippine Islands, Technician Shiroishi and three companions were thrown into the swiftly flowing current when the banca in which they were traveling capsized in midstream. Technician Shiroishi immediately started swimming towards shore, but upon looking back and seeing that one of his comrades was in difficulty, returned to aid the distressed soldier, who, unable to swim, had been clinging desperately to the overturned vessel. Another of his companions had attempted to assist the panic stricken man, but was pulled under in a vise-like grip and forced to break away. Technician Shiroishi, with utter disregard for his own safety, grasped the drowning man only to be overcome by his overpowering strength. When last seen, both men were going down together, Technician Shiroishi locked in the arms of the man whose life he was attempting to save. Through his concern for the life of a fellow soldier, Technician Shiroishi made a gallant attempt to rescue a comrade and his heroic action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.