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 Patrick J. O’Connor (ASN: RA-11374024), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 29 May 1968 at the hand grenade confidence course, Range 22, Fort Polk, Louisiana. As the principal instructor on the live grenade course, Sergeant O’Connor was responsible for supervising and assisting in the throwing of live grenades. As the trainee brought the live grenade to the throwing bunker he was instructed as to how to pull the pin. While attempting to pull the pin, the trainee had difficulty and panicked. He succeeded in pulling the pin but in doing so, the grenade slipped from his grasp and started to fall. The trainee hit it into the air and proceeded to run back up the range. Sergeant O’Connor unhesitatingly jumped after the grenade and slapped it outside the bunker. He then went after and tackled the trainee, covering him with his own body and shielding them from possible fragments. Sergeant O’Connor could have easily stepped to the side of the bunker and avoided possible danger; however, with disregard to his personal safety, he saved the trainee from being maimed or possibly killed. This reflects great credit upon himself, the Noncommissioned Officer Corps and the United States Army. [This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal awarded to those Staff Sergeant Patrick J. O’Connor for heroism on 29 May 1968 as announced in General Orders Number 177, Headquarters U.S. Army Training Center, infantry and Fort Polk, Fort Polk, Louisiana 71459, dated 10 July 1968.]