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 Captain (Infantry) Neville D. McNerney, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the Cleveland Area Command, XX United States Army Corps (Reserve), Willoughby Hills, Ohio, on 21 and 22 January 1959. While voluntarily participating in the rescue and evacuation of civilians stranded in flooded areas, Captain McNerney, together with an enlisted member of his unit, repeatedly entered the flooded areas and, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, affected the rescue of approximately 35 persons. Although a non-swimmer, Captain McNerney frequently left the amphibious vehicle (DUKW) in which he was riding and assisted in the rescue of stranded civilians. On one occasion, when it was necessary for the DUKW to pass over a bridge which was under 4 feet of water, Captain McNerney dismounted from the vehicle into the icy waters and guided it safely across. During this action he had to hold forcibly to the side of the vehicle frequently to prevent being swept away by the icy flows rushing down the swiftly moving stream. On another occasion, with assistance of a member of his unit, he accomplished rescue of a man stranded in a tree approximately one-hundred yards from shore. In this operation, Captain McNerney rigged a line from a winch on a 2 1/2 ton truck to the DUKW which enabled him to enter the swift current with the vehicle. Although his vehicle was in great danger of being capsized or immobilized by the many obstacles in his path, he managed to reach the stranded man and returned him to safety. Even though exhausted, cold, and wet from many trips into the icy floodwaters, he continued to assist in rescue and evacuation operations for almost 20 hours without rest or sleep. Captain McNerney’s unselfish and courageous actions in an extremely dangerous situation prevented possible loss of life and reflect the utmost credit on himself and the military service.