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 Specialist Fifth Class Orville R. Thomas, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Company, Basic Combat Training Committee Group, United States Army Training Center, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on 9 November 1965 on the Hand Grenade Range of the installation. As Noncommissioned Safety Officer, Specialist Thomas was in one of the throwing bays on the live hand grenade course when one of the trainees threw a live grenade in a manner which caused it to strike the front portion of safety wall and fall into the bay. Instead of following the instructions to remain stationary, the trainee moved in front of Specialist Thomas and prevented him from throwing the grenade out of the bay. Specialist Thomas grabbed the trainee and pulled him out of the way fast enough for both of them to hit the ground on the side of the bay just as the grenade exploded. His quick thinking and courageous actions in this dangerous situation averted possible injury or loss of lives. Specialist Thomas’ heroic conduct is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself in the military service.