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 First Lieutenant (Coast Artillery Corps) Charles Sovitski, United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, at Camp Livingston, Louisiana, on 1 June 1944. Lieutenant Sovitski and four enlisted men in turn were throwing live hand grenades from a firing trench on the practice range. A grenade, after being armed, failed to clear the top of the trench when thrown by a soldier, struck a sandbag, and landed on the floor of the trench. With complete disregard for his own safety and at the risk of his life, Lieutenant Sovitski retrieved the grenade and hurled it into the impact area where it exploded, thus saving the men from injury and possible death. The heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Sovitski on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.