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 Chief Warrant Officer Sedrick G. Laughlin, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Bamberg, Germany, on 22 February 1956. While driving in the vicinity of the partially frozen Regnitz River, Warrant Officer Laughlin noticed the futile efforts of a German civilian to rescue a young girl from the icy water. With complete disregard for his own safety, Warrant Officer Laughlin plunged, fully clothed, into the water and swam to the aid of the girl. Fighting a treacherous current and using his hands to break a path through the ice, Warrant Officer Laughlin brought the child to safety to the edge of the thin ice. Although injured himself and so weakened by the physical exertion that he required assistance in getting from the water, Warrant Officer Laughlin refused aid until the child was safely ashore. Warrant Officer Laughlin’s immediate, voluntary and courageous action reflects great credit on himself and the military service.