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 Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) James D. Salyer (ASN: 0-5418759), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters and Service Battery, 6th Battalion, 92d Artillery, 2d Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas, on 27 January 1966 at Close Combat Range Number One when a live grenade simulator failed to clear a log obstacle and landed within five feet of a Basic Combat Trainee. Lieutenant Salyer, without regard for his personal safety, immediately ran into the assault course and dragged the basic combat trainee from the live grenade. Lieutenant Salyer then threw himself on top of the man in order to protect him from the blast. As a result of Lieutenant Salyer’s prompt and heroic action, the soldier was saved from death or serious injury. Lieutenant Salyer’s action was in the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.