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 Private First Class Thomas J. Byers, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 54th Military Police Company, Fort Ord, California, at Fort Ord, California on 9 July 1971. On that date Private Byers performed a heroic act that prevented injury and possible death to a trainee, who had climbed a 50 foot water tower and threatened to commit suicide by jumping from the tower. Placing the safety of the soldier and performance of duty above the regard for his personal safety, Private Byers climbed the water tower and engaged the trainee in conversation in an attempt to gain his confidence. After approximately 10 minutes, Private Byers was able to get close to the trainee and grabbed him. Together with another military policeman, he assisted the trainee down the ladder down the water tower to the safety of the ground. His decisiveness, quick thinking, and courage during the period of this act saved the trainee from possible serious injury or loss of life. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man and dedication to service to this country, Private First Class Byers and reflected great credit on himself and the United States Army. [This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal awarded to Private Byers for heroism on 9 July 1971, as announced in General Orders Number 120, Headquarters United States Army Training Center, Infantry and Fort Ord, California, dated 20 September 1971.]