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 First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] John A. Marley, United States Army, for as a member of Company I, 4th Infantry, at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, on 8 February 1957. During a squad test for the third Battalion on R Range, a grenadier put a grenade in the launcher and pulled the safety pin. The grenadier felt that the grenade was insecure. He tried to adjust the rifle by tapping it on the ground, causing the grenade to drop free. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Marley pushed the grenadier aside and made a lunge for the grenade. He missed the grenade the first time and, shouting a warning, picked it up and threw it over a wooden barricade in front of the squad. The grenade exploded in the air but no one was injured. Lieutenant Marley’s prompt and courageous action saved the members of the squad and umpires from death or serious injury. His heroic act reflects great credit on himself and the military service.