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 (Transportation Corps) Anderson H. Puckett, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in the Oswego Water Intake Tunnel under Lake Ontario, at Oswego, New York, on 18 and 19 August 1957. An explosion, believed to have been caused by the premature detonation of one of the booster charges used to set off a large blasting operation conducted by civilian engineers, occurred at the entrance of the tunnel and trapped three members of a working crew inside. With complete disregard for his own safety and after repeated warnings of the great risk involved, Lieutenant Puckett entered the tunnel and took charge of operations to rescue the stricken individuals. In spite of the fact that large concentrations of gas filled the tunnel and made it necessary to wear oxygen mask at all times, Lieutenant Puckett spent a total of more than 6 hours beneath the surface of the lake directing the unsuccessful attempts to save the lives of the trapped men. At all times he was in grave danger due to lack of knowledge as to what had caused the initial explosion, and the possibility that the main charge might be detonated at any moment. On several occasions, while directing personnel within the tunnel, only his prompt thinking and presence of mind prevented further loss of life. Lieutenant Puckett left the tunnel only when it had been determined that the three men had been killed in the initial explosion, and even then only when he was physically removed on orders from his commanding officer. The heroic action and unselfish disregard for his own personal safety displayed by Lieutenant Puckett reflect the utmost credit on himself and the military service.