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 Specialist Third Class Phillip S. Rister, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy during a major flood in the City of Abilene, Texas, on 11 May 1957. While cooperating with civilian authorities in routine evacuation of flooded areas, Specialist Third Class Rister, together with two members of his unit, discovered two girls helplessly trapped in an automobile which was being carried swiftly into Big Elm Creek by swollen flood tides. Without hesitation or regard for his personal safety, and at the risk of his life, Specialist Third Class Rister drove a truck into the raging stream, wedged the automobile against the opposite bank, and the girls were then rescued. The prompt and courageous action displayed by Specialist Third Class Rister saved the two girls from possible death or serious injury and reflects the utmost credit on himself, his unit, and the military service.