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 James E. Schneider, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of United States Army Recruiting Main Station, New Orleans, Louisiana, on 17 May 1959. Sergeant Schneider was fishing from the banks of Old River, near Merryville, Louisiana, when he was alerted by screams coming from approximately 300 yards down the shore and nearly 150 feet out and in the center of the river. A small boy had accidentally fallen overboard from a boat and was struggling in the water without the aid of a lifejacket or preserver. He then observed a man jump from a nearby boat and swim toward the struggling youth. The man, in attempting to rescue the boy, became physically unable to swim, and started struggling with the child on his back. Sergeant Schneider in observing these actions, was quick to realize the danger of the situation and immediately began running the 300 yards down the shore, kicking off his shoes while running. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Schneider, fully clothed, plunged into the water and swam out to the scene of the struggle and grabbed the man and boy and helped them safely back to their boat. The presence of mind, immediate and courageous action taken by Sergeant Schneider in unselfishly risking his life in this emergency saved the man and boy from possible drowning, and reflect distinct credit on himself and the United States Army.