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 Staff Sergeant George D. Crittenden, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery B, 2d Gun Battalion, 38th Artillery, at Ernst Ludwig Kaserne, Darmstadt, Germany on 25 June 1962. Sergeant Crittenden demonstrated the highest degree of courage and initiative when an individual, armed with two grenades, pulled the pins and threatened to use them to avoid arrest. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Crittenden slowly approached the distraught man, calmly reasoned with him, and succeeded in persuading him to surrender to the authorities. By his sound judgment and unselfish efforts, he put an end to a dangerous situation and prevented the loss of life or injury to members of the Battalion who were at the scene. Sergeant Crittenden’s heroic action in this emergency is in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.