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 First Class Daniel L. Braxton, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Fort Ord, California on 5 August 1969. On that date, Sergeant Braxton, while serving as Range Safety Noncommissioned Officer, reacted to an emergency situation to protect others with complete disregard for his own safety. At this time Sergeant Braxton was in the high explosive court with a basic training. When the trainee threw the grenade, it failed to clear the wall of the court and bounced back, landing at his feet. Realizing the danger of the situation, Sergeant Braxton immediately threw the trainee into the safety trench at the rear of the pit and yelled “Live grenade!” He then kicked the grenade into the sump at the front of the pit and leaped backward, covering the trainee’s body with his own. Due to Sergeant Braxton’s quick thinking in this extremely hazardous situation where a one second delay could have been disastrous, no fatalities or injuries occurred. Sergeant Braxton’s alertness, quick thinking, and immediate action with complete disregard for his own personal safety saved the trainee’s life and possibly many others. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Sergeant Braxton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.