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 Captain (Infantry) Leonardo C. Thomas (ASN: 0-5219872), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Captain Thomas distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 August 1968, at Camp Marah, Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 30 August 1968, Captain Thomas was summoned to the orderly room of Company E, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, to assist the Unit First Sergeant whose life was threatened by another member of Company E. When Captain Thomas arrived at the scene he observed the individual with an M-26 fragmentation grenade grasped in his hand, safety pin removed. Captain Thomas immediately and without regard for his personal safety, began talking to the individual encouraging him to replace the pin in the grenade, which he refused to do. By remaining calm in the face of imminent danger, he persuaded the individual to exit the building. Captain Thomas then channelized him into a sandbagged corner, knowing if the grenade did explode the sandbags would absorb the metal fragments and lessen the chance of casualties. The soldier then began to scuffle with Captain Thomas. During this scuffle, the soldier was accidentally wounded in the thigh by Captain Thomas’ pistol. Captain Thomas then quickly disarmed the assailant of the grenade, giving it to the Unit First Sergeant. He then immediately treated the soldier for shock. Noting that the wound was bleeding heavily, he applied a tourniquet, bandaged the wound and called for a dust-off helicopter to carry the individual to the hospital. He initiated these actions without hesitation. By placing the life of his fellow man above that of his own, he undoubtedly prevented the unnecessary loss of several lives in the immediate area. Captain Thomas’ display of courage, sound judgment and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.