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 Master Sergeant Joseph Villegas, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company B, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado, on 12 June 1957. While acting as Safety Non-commissioned officer on Range No. 38 for a unit undergoing live and grenade training, Sergeant Villegas was faced with a sudden crisis which demanded immediate and spontaneous action to avert possible loss of life to himself and a trainee. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he wrested an active live grenade from the hands of the trainee frozen with fright and, after throwing the armed grenade into the impact area where it exploded immediately, physically forced the trainee into a safe prone position. Sergeant Villegas’ quick judgment and courageous actions saved the lives of two men, reflecting the utmost credit on himself and the military service.