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 Fourth Class James L. Russo (ASN: US-51575965), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 27 April 1967, while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Officer Candidate Brigade, United States Army Artillery and Missile School. Specialist Russo was acting as Pit Safety Noncommissioned Officer on the Live Hand Grenade Range while officer candidates were practicing live grenade throwing. On the command “Pull Pin” a candidate jerked the safety pin twisting the grenade from his hand. Specialist Russo observed the candidate fumbling with the armed grenade and with quick reaction, courage, and complete disregard for his own safety, caught the grenade before it struck the ground. He immediately shouted the safety warning “Grenade”, threw the armed grenade downrange, where it exploded a second later, and pulled the candidate to the ground behind the protective wall. His exemplary action save the Officer Candidate’s life. Specialist Russo’s courage, quick thinking, sound judgment, and devotion to duty were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.