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 [then Staff Sergeant] William F. Gibson, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the Tactics Committee, United States Army Training Center, Fort Polk, on 15 May 1963, at Grenade Range Number 22, Fort Polk, Louisiana. As a Committee Instructor, Sergeant Gibson was observing instruction in grenade throwing when he noticed that a trainee accidentally dropped a live grenade as he was preparing to throw it. With complete disregard for his own safety and full knowledge of the extreme danger, Sergeant Gibson raced to the live grenade, scooped it up, and hurled it toward the impact area where it went off in an air burst harming no one. His prompt and brave actions prevented injury or possible loss of life to personnel on the scene. Sergeant Gibson’s heroic conduct in this hazardous situation is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit is upon himself and the military service. [This award supersedes the award of the Army Commendation Medal to Sergeant Gibson for heroism on 15 May 1963 as announced in General Orders Number 258, Headquarters, Fort Polk, Fort Polk, Louisiana, dated 12 October 1964, as amended by General Orders Number 263, Headquarters Fort Polk, Fort Polk, Louisiana, dated 20 October 1964.]