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 Austeen S. Lee, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving as Safety NCO, Purol Grenade Range, US Army Training Center, Armor, Fort Knox, Kentucky, on 18 May 1966. In his capacity as Safety NCO of a grenade range, Sergeant Lee entered a bunker occupied by a fellow soldier, who was then undergoing practical live grenade training. Upon receiving the command to pull pin, the soldier pulled the pin, but also let loose of the safety lever. Sergeant Lee instructed the trainee to throw the grenade but he lost control of the armed grenade, presenting an imminent danger to himself and Sergeant Lee. Disregarding a position of relative safety, Sergeant Lee unhesitatingly caught the grenade and pitched it over the side of the bunker. The soldier then began to run from the bunker. Sergeant Lee grabbed him and pulled him to the ground; the grenade exploded immediately. Sergeant Lee’s prompt and courageous action prevented certain death to the soldier and serious injury to himself and is in keeping of the finest traditions of the military, reflecting utmost credit upon himself and the U.S. Army. [This award supersedes the Army Commendation Metal awarded to Sergeant Lee for heroism on 18 May 1966 as announced in General Orders Number 132, Headquarters, USA Armor Center, Fort Knox, Kentucky, dated 20 June 1966.]