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 Thomas E. Laws, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company B, 703d Military Police Battalion, at Bamberg, Germany, on 8 January 1953. When Private Laws heard cries for help coming from a 5-year old German boy who had fallen into the icy, turbulent waters of the Regnitz River, he recognized that the child was in dire stress. Unhesitatingly, he jumped into the cold, swift waters, fully clothed, in a heroic effort to swim to the aid of the child. He successfully accomplished the rescue of the young boy, who was helpless to extricate himself from the dangerous waters. Private Laws prompt and courageous action, without regard for his personal safety, reflects distinct credit on himself and the military service.