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 Sergeant [then Specialist Fourth Class] Gerard Gilliam (ASN: RA-12750378), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 7 March 1968 at approximately 1135 hours at Range 22, Fort Polk Hand Grenade Confidence Course, Fort Polk, Louisiana. As assistant instructor on the hand grenade range, Sergeant Gilliam was responsible for supervising and assisting the trainees in the throwing of live M-26 hand grenades. When one of the trainees entered the bunker Sergeant Gilliam proceeded in the normal manner to issue the order to throw. The trainee drew back, striking his own leg and dropped the live grenade to the rear of the bunker. Although he could easily have saved his own life by jumping forward of the bunker, Sergeant Gilliam moved instinctively to save the life of the trainee. Throwing the trainee to the ground, Sergeant Gilliam sprang from the bunker, retrieved the live grenade and hurled it forward of the bunker. The grenade exploded harmlessly in the impact area just as Sergeant Gilliam reached the protection of the bunker. Sergeant Gilliam’s brave and heroic act reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. [This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal awarded to Sergeant Gilliam for meritorious achievement on 7 March 1968, as announced in General Orders Number 101, Headquarters, United States Army Training Center, Infantry and Fort Polk, Fort Polk, Louisiana 71459, dated 7 May 1968.]