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 Sergeant Vernon A. Gusch, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 549th Military Police Company (Svc), at Coco Solito, Canal Zone, on 7 November 1957. While standing in front of Coco Solito Fire Station, observing the effects of a torrential rainfall which had totaled 10.7 inches in a twenty-four-hour period, Sergeant Gusch saw a small girl fall into the raging waters of an overflowed drainage ditch and disappear. Although unable to swim himself and with complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Gusch jumped into the turbulent unfamiliar, murky waters, estimated at seven and one-half feet in depth and located the child. Unable to keep his own head above the water, he managed to hold the child’s head above the water and at the same time work his way through the accumulated debris and heavy current to the side of the ditch where he lifted the child to safety. Sergeant Gusch, at the risk of his own life, undoubtedly prevented serious injury and possible death to the child, reflecting great credit on himself and the military service.