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 Russell D. Swan, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 22 October 1968, as a member of the Basic Combat Training Committee Group, while performing his duties as a Backup NCO ,Remagen Hand Grenade Range. A live M-26A1 fragmentation hand grenade was released too early by a basic combat soldier and landed about 10 feet from Sergeant Swan. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Swan went immediately to the grenade, picked it up and threw it over a protective wall to his front, the grenade exploding on the other side of the wall before it hit the ground. As a direct result of Sergeant Swan’s speed and efficiency in reacting to the live grenade, the lives of the basic soldier, the Bay NCO, and Sergeant Swan were saved. Sergeant Swan’s heroic conduct is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.