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 First Class Rufus F. Cox, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 25 January 1970, while serving as an Assistant Instructor at Mill Creek Grenade Range, United States Army Armor Center Committee Group, Fort Knox, Kentucky. On that date Company E, 18th Battalion, 5th Training Brigade was receiving live grenade training at Milk Creek Grenade Range, the staff of which included Sergeant Cox. When a trainee came to Sergeant Cox’s Bay to throw a grenade, he dropped the grenade while attempting to throw it. The grenade rolled to the rear of the pit and Sergeant Cox immediately restrained the trainee within the safe confines of the throwing pitÔs. The soldier panicked and began to run out of the rear of the throwing pit, but was held and forced to the ground by Sergeant Cox just in time to avoid the detonation of the grenade. Sergeant Cox’s alert professional reaction and cool intrepidity in a dangerous situation are in keeping with the highest traditions the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army. [This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal awarded to Sergeant Cox for heroism on 25 January 1972, by the Commanding General, United States Army Armor Center and Fort Knox, Kentucky, under the provisions of paragraph 7, AR672-5-1.]