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 George Vargas, 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 a member of the United States Training Center, Infantry, Fort Dix New Jersey. On 4 February 1971, Sergeant Vargas was serving as Assistant Instructor, Hand Grenade Training Facility, BCT Committee Group, Fort Dix, New Jersey. During a live fire exercise, a basic trainee entered Sergeant Vargas’ bay to throw a live hand grenade. After pulling the pin on the grenade, the trainee accidentally threw it against the wall of the bay. It fell into the grenade sump, armed and ready to detonate. Sergeant Vargas yelled, “Grenade,” and threw himself on top of the trainee as the grenade detonated. Sergeant Vargas’ calm, spontaneous reaction, coupled with his selfless and voluntary risk of life, averted injury or possible death to the trainee. His actions reflected great credit on him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.