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 Charles W. Bean, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company B, 1st Battle Group, 87th Infantry, Fort Benning, Georgia, on 1 March 1960. Sergeant Bean was performing duty as an assistant instructor supervising the basic training of recruits in live fragmentation grenade handling on the Dianda Range. A trainee undergoing instruction dropped an armed grenade in the rear of the throwing bay, endangering the lives of all personnel in that vicinity. Quickly realizing the immediate danger involved, and without hesitation or concern for his own personal safety, Sergeant Bean lunged forward, seized the activated grenade and, with only seconds to spare, tossed it down range. He then pulled the recruit down to a safe position, and the grenade exploded instantly as it cleared the safety bay wall. The prompt judgment, presence of mind, and unselfish courage displayed by Sergeant Bean in this sudden emergency prevented serious injury or death to personnel in that area, and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military service.