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 Platoon Sergeant Alan C. Deaver (ASN: RA-6917457), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 10 January 1968 at Range 11, Fort Polk Hand Grenade Range, Fort Polk, Louisiana. As an assistant instructor on the hand grenade range, he was responsible for supervising and assisting trainees in the throwing of a live M-26 hand grenade. Assigned as an assistant instructor of five throwing bays, he moved to each bay, ensured that each trainee was holding the grenade correctly, instructed him to pull the safety pin, and then observed as the trainee threw the grenade. Upon entering a bay occupied by one of the trainees, Sergeant Deaver gave the usual throwing instructions to a trainee. The trainee pulled the pin and prepared to throw. He drew back his arm as to throw, paused, then dropped the grenade to the ground. He then turned and moved rapidly to the throwing bay protection wall and squatted to the ground covering his head with his arms. Sergeant Deaver, realizing the imminent danger to the trainee and himself, saw it was impossible to get the trainee safely out of the bunker. He unhesitatingly and without regard for his own personal safety stepped forward, picked up the live hand grenade and quickly threw it from the bunker. The grenade traveled approximately 15 meters from the bunker and exploded while still in midair. Sergeant Deaver could have easily stepped to the rear of the throwing area and would have had sufficient cover to protect himself, however, without hesitation or regard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Deaver prevented the trainee from being maimed or killed. Sergeant Dever’s brave and heroic act reflects great credit upon himself, the Noncommissioned Officer Corps, and the United States Army. [This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) awarded to Sergeant Deaver as announced in General orders number 47, 1968, Headquarters US Army Training Center, Infantry and Fort Polk, dated 20 March 1968.]