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 Private First Class Bruce A. Keaton, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 24 April 1971. On that date Private Keaton distinguished himself by exceptionally heroic conduct in connection with an accidental explosion at the Coleman Danger Area of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Private Keaton found two seriously wounded men on Preachers Road and learned from them that two other wounded men were still at the site of the explosion in the impact area of observation Post Number 5. Private Keaton gave first aid to the two men and immediately called for a medical evacuation helicopter. Without hesitation he then proceeded, at great personal risk, into the impact area. At the site of the explosion, Private Keaton found one man dead and a second man very near death from losing both legs and suffering from multiple shrapnel sounds. He applied tourniquets and moved the man in a truck to expedite the trip to the hospital. The man would have died at the site had it not been for the brave, decisive, and competent action of Private Keaton. By his courageous action, humanitarian regard for his fellow man, and dedication of service to his country, Private First Class Keaton has reflected great credit on himself and the United States Army.