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 Major (Chaplain) Edward A. Curran, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Camp Drake, Honshu, Japan, on 8 September 1953. Called to the scene of an attempted suicide, Chaplain Curran discovered that an enlisted man had taken position atop a 70-foot smokestack, stating his intention of jumping to his death. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his safety Chaplain Curran climbed to the peak of the smokestack to a position directly under that of the enlisted man. Clinging to a steel upright for support as the soldier tried to dislodge him, Chaplain Curran spent 50 minutes in a successful effort to persuade him to descend the ladder to safety. The heroic service rendered by Chaplain Curran reflects credit on himself and the military service.