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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Roy G. Shepard, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company C, Infantry Training Battalion, at Camp Roberts, California, on 29 August 1945. While conducting a class on the grenade range, he observed that a trainee had activated a grenade and had accidentally dropped the missile on the ground in front of several others awaiting their turn on the range. Running from his position behind the line, Lieutenant Shepard immediately threw his body over the lethal missile, absorbing the subsequent blast with his body. His courageous act, from which he received severe injuries resulting in his death on 5 September 1945, doubtless prevented serious injury and possible death to his comrades in the vicinity. Lieutenant Shepard’s indomitable courage and heroic self-sacrifice reflect great credit on himself, the Infantry, and the United States Army.