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 Kenneth G. Giese, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Committee Group, United States Army Training Center, Armor, Fort Knox, Kentucky, while performing his duties as an instructor at Mill Creek Grenade Range, Fort Knox, Kentucky. On 28 October 1968, Sergeant Giese was instructing in the method of throwing fragmentation grenades with the additional responsibility of enforcing the prescribed safety precautions. On that day, a trainee was in Grenade Pit Number Five for the purpose of throwing a live fragmentation grenade. When given the command to throw, the trainee pulled the safety pin, brought the grenade up to a throwing position and then accidentally dropped it. The trainee immediately went down on his hands and knees and froze in this position. Reacting immediately and without regard for his own safety, Sergeant Giese pulled the trainee out of Pit Number Five and pushed him into Number Six. Sergeant Giese dove into the safety trench behind the pits just as the grenade exploded. Sergeant Giese’s positive and responsive action without doubt saved the life of the trainee. This singular act of heroism reflects great credit upon Sergeant Giese and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. [This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal awarded to Sergeant Giese for heroism on 28 October 1968 as announced in General Orders Number 375, Headquarters U.S. Army Training Center, Arik, Fort Knox, Kentucky 40121 dated 5 December 1968.]