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 Frank J. Heltzel, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while a member of the Basic Combat Training Committee Group, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, on 21 November 1968, while performing his duties as Bay Non-commissioned, Officer, Ramagen Hand Grenade Range. A soldier trainee, while in the process of throwing a M-26A1 fragmentation hand grenade, accidentally dropped the grenade and then began to run for the exit. Without hesitation Sergeant Heltzel immediately threw the trainee to the ground and covered the soldier’s body with his own. The backup NCO, not being able to reach the grenade, retreated to the pits, at which time the grenade exploded. Sergeant Heltzel received multiple wounds from the grenade fragments. Sergeant Heltzel’s heroic conduct is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects utmost credit upon himself and the military service. [This award supersedes the Soldier’s Medal awarded to Sergeant Heltzel for extraordinary heroism on 21 November 1968, as announced in General Orders Number 154, Headquarters, United States Army Training Center, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207, dated 9 December 1968.]