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 First Class Bernard F. O’Connell, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Cleveland Area Command, XX United States Army Corps (Reserve), during a major flood at Eastlake and Willoughby Hills, Ohio, on 21 and 22 January 1959. While voluntarily participating in the rescue and evacuation of civilians from flooded areas Sergeant O’Connell, together with a member of his unit, repeatedly entered the flooded areas and, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, assisted in the rescue of more than one hundred persons. Operating from an amphibious truck (DUKW), he entered the treacherous waters numerous times and personally carried stranded civilians from their homes. On one occasion when a volunteer fireman assisting in the evacuation of civilian personnel was suddenly swept off his feet by the swift current and carried into deep water over his head, Sergeant O’Connell jumped without hesitation into the icy waters and swam to the aid of the floundering man and managed to grasp and assist the victim to a place of safety, thereby preventing him from drowning. On another occasion, he assisted in the rescue of an entire family whose home was situated on the very bank of swollen ice-choked stream. The rescue was affected under very hazardous conditions caused by the presence of many underwater obstacles and a swift current which momentarily threatened to capsize or immobilize the DUKW in which Sergeant O’Connell was riding. Although exhausted, cold, and wet from many trips into the ice clogged currents, he continued to assist in the rescue evacuation operation for nearly 20 hours without sleep or rest. The courageous and unselfish actions of Sergeant O’Connell and risking his life in this dangerous situation would reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.