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 First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] William E. Hornish, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Camp Pico Blanco, California, on 28 June 1956. During an outing of Boy Scouts the group crossed a log bridge. Before crossing was completed one of the logs shifted throwing those on the bridge into the water. One of the boys was caught by the ankle between the loose logs and was in imminent danger of being drowned or crushed. Lieutenant Hornish who was leading the Scouts, in disregard of his own safety, leaped into the stream and placed himself between the logs to prevent further crushing motion. Simultaneously he held the boy’s head above water and succeeded in unlacing his boot in order to free his foot from the vice-like grip of the logs. The prompt and courageous action of Lieutenant Hornish reflects great credit on himself and the military service.