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 James J. Tarantino (ASN: 36768531), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with the enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, on 18 February 1945, in the vicinity of Sarreguemines, France. A group of ten men were quartered in a building where some were sleeping and others working on personal equipment. A hand grenade was accidentally dropped by one of the men, causing the pin to fall out. Realizing what would happen in such crowded quarters, Private First Class Tarantino, without regard for personal safety, immediately picked up the grenade and threw it out a window, where it exploded harmlessly in mid-air. His quick action saved not only his own life but those of the other men in the room. This heroic and hazardous action, in the face of imminent danger, reflects great credit upon Private First Class Tarantino and is in keeping with the finest traditions of fidelity and courage.