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 Specialist Fourth Class John F. Mills, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Fort Jackson, South Carolina on 8 September 1969. On that date, a basic trainee accidentally threw a grenade short of this objective, endangering both his life and that of Specialist Mills. While another noncommissioned officer threw the trainee to the ground, Specialist Mills retrieved the live ordinance and threw it into the impact area where it immediately detonated. Later that same day another trainee allowed a live grenade to fall into the bay area. Specialist Mills, immediately thinking of the safety of the soldier, threw the trainee to the ground and covered him with his body while the grenade exploded in the bay sump. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Specialist Mills has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.