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 Samuel J. Peterson, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 23 February 1971 at the Andrew Jackson Hand Grenade Range, Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Sergeant Peterson voluntarily risked his life to save a trainee who had dropped a live fragmentation grenade by pushing the man into the grenade sump. He acted voluntarily and without concern for his personal safety, thinking only of the welfare the trainee. Sergeant Peterson’s selfless action is but a continuation of his record of excellent conduct and responsible leadership. His exemplary behavior clearly places him above his contemporaries and sets him apart as a noncommissioned officer of the highest caliber. Sergeant Peterson’s exceptional bravery in voluntarily risking his life so that a fellow soldier might be saved was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.