The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Sergeant Leonard Moran (ASN: RA-11182918), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery A, 34th Field Artillery Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, at Fort Dix, New Jersey, on 7 January 1954. Acting in the capacity of assistant instructor of the hand grenade range, he observed a trainee under his supervision throw a live fragmentation grenade which failed to clear the parapet of the bay where he was stationed. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Moran courageously threw his body between the grenade and the trainee, thus shielding the soldier from danger and absorbing the full force of the grenade explosion. Sergeant Moran’s consummate valor, inspirational action, and supreme sacrifice in saving a human life reflect lasting glory on himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.