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 Fourth Class Thomas Quinlan (ASN: RA-12712284), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while performing his duties as an instructor on Mill Creek Grenade Range, Fort Knox, Kentucky. On 13 February 1968, Specialist Quinlan was instructing in the method of throwing fragmentation grenades with the additional responsibility of enforcing the prescribed safety precautions. Later that day, a soldier was in one of the several grenade pits for the purpose of throwing a live fragmentation grenade. When given the command to throw, the soldier threw the grenade in a lobbing motion. The armed grenade struck the inside wall of the grenade pit and rebounded into the safety trench. The soldier, apparently without looking for the grenade, jumped into the trench. Reacting instantly and without regard for his own safety, Specialist Quinlan dived into the trench and, with a single scooping motion, threw the armed grenade over and clear of the wall of the grenade pit. The grenade exploded in flight. Specialist Quinlan’s positive and responsive action, without doubt, saved the soldier’s life and possibly prevented serious injury to the personnel in the adjacent grenade pits. This singular act of heroism reflects great credit upon Specialist Quinlan and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. [This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal awarded to Specialist Quinlan as announced in General Orders Number 78, Headquarters, United States Army Training Center, Fort Knox, Kentucky, dated 14 March 1968.]