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 Specialist Fifth Class Gregory K. Stewart, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 18 July 1966 while participating in a parachute jump as part of a Battalion Training Exercise. As Specialist Stewart’s parachute was deploying, he felt and saw Private Merlin L. Angelain, a fellow paratrooper, passed through his risers and continue to fall. Realizing that his own parachute was inflated and that Private Angelain’s parachute would not inflate, he caught the other parachutist’s canopy and wrapped it around his arms and legs, thereby slowing Private Angelain’s fall but dangerously increasing his own rate of descent. Specialist Stewart called to Private Angelain and instructed him to deploy his reserve parachute, but the other man was unconscious and could not do so. Unable to deploy his own reserve because of the canopy he was holding, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Stewart held on to the other parachutist until both men hit the ground. Specialist Stewart’s quick thinking, decisive action and heroism saved Private Angelain’s life. His action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the military service. [This award supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal for heroism on 18 July 1966 as announced in General Orders Number 291, Headquarters 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell, Fort Campbell, Kentucky dated 22 September 1966.]