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 John T. Larsen (ASN: RA-16644405), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, at approximately 0930 Hours on 29 June 1966. While Company C, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, was conducting an area sweep in the third brigade sector of the demilitarized zone in South Korea, the Commanding Officer of Company C discovered that one platoon of his company had entered an unmarked mine field. Two members of that company had received traumatic amputations by mine explosions and were lying in the mine field. Upon discovering their location, the Company Commander attempted to reach the injured men by using an alternate route. Upon attempting to reach the injured men, the Company Commander also stepped on a mine and was severely injured. As he fell Staff Sergeant Larsen, with total disregard for his own life and knowing that he was in danger of grievous bodily harm, rushed into the mine field and pulled the Company Commander out. Staff Sergeant Larsen’s voluntary action in disregarding his own safety in order to care for a fellow soldier was in the highest tradition of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. [This award supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal to Sergeant Larsen for heroism on 29 June 1966, as announced in General Orders Number 109, Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, dated 25 July 1966.]