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 (Field Artillery) Grover C. Barfield, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy on 19 August 1969 while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 321st Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date a United States Air Force F-4 Phantom jet aircraft caught fire and plummeted into a populated area after the pilot and observer ejected to safety. Arriving on the scene, Captain Barfield took immediate action. He requested dustoffs and directed two of his men to establish a landing zone near the wreckage. He then supervised loading the casualties, assisted the Army of the Republic of Vietnam District Forces in directing traffic, and set up a security force around the downed aircraft. Despite an official warning that there was a probability of more explosions, Captain Barfield, disregarding his own safety, continued to search the area for survivors until he was satisfied that all the injured personnel had been evacuated. Captain Barfield’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.