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 David R. Reynolds, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in a successful effort to preclude serious injury to members of the United States Army Training Center, Infantry, Fort Dix, New Jersey. On 2 December 1968, Sergeant Reynolds was serving as Assistant Instructor, Hand Grenade Training Facility, Basic Combat Training Committee Group, Fort Dix, New Jersey. In the routine performance of his duties, he issued a live grenade to a trainee of Company A, 6th Battalion, 2d Basic Combat Training Brigade. Upon pulling the grenade pin, the trainee became unsteady and, when given the command to throw, was unable to toss the grenade out of the throwing bay. Disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Reynolds physically ushered the trainee out of the bay into a prone position while simultaneously warning his comrades. He was able to return and throw the grenade into the impact area where it detonated harmlessly in an air burst. Sergeant Reynolds’ calm yet spontaneous reaction, coupled with his selfless and voluntary risk of life, averted an incident which could have caused serious bodily injury to himself, his fellow instructors and members of Company A. His actions reflect great credit upon him, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.