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 Sergeant John E. Woodward, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Detachment, 7961st United States Army, Europe Detachment, at Suresnes, France , on 15 March 1953. A canoe in which two men of his organization were paddling in the Seine River suddenly capsized. One man was unable to swim and was being swept downstream. Realizing that the man was in dire distress and helpless to extricate himself from his grave danger, Sergeant Woodward unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his personal safety plunged into the cold, swift water fully clothed in a heroic attempt to effect rescue. With great difficulty, he reached the shore with the rescued man, after swimming approximately 150 yards in treacherous currents. Sergeant Woodward’s prompt and courageous action during the rescue reflects great credit on himself and the military service.