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 Willis D. Bassett, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 461st Transportation Company, at Fort Story, Virginia on 8 May 1956. Private Bassett, an amphibious truck driver, was summoned to aid in the rescue of the crew of a swamped landing vehicle track. Arriving at the scene with his amphibious truck he immediately entered the high and unusually rough surf and maneuvered to the sunken vehicle where he affected the rescue of one man, although during the action the hull of his truck was punctured when it came in contact with the sunken vehicle. With complete disregard for his own safety he immediately reentered the heavy surf with his damaged vehicle to attempt the rescue of a second crew member. The half-drowned soldier was unable to help himself, therefore, when a rope was thrown around him by Private Bassett it was immediately washed over his head. The churning surf and undertow washed the soldier off the sunken vehicle. Private. Bassett continued to try to locate the soldier and affect his rescue even though his amphibious truck was leaking badly. Private Bassett’s prompt and courageous action reflects great credit on himself and the military service.