UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS---------------- HEADQUARTERS, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC--------------------- ---------------------FPO, SAN FRANCISCO 96601

               The  President  of  the  United  States  takes  pleasure  in presenting the
BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

               CITATION:

                            "For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy  in  the  Republic  of  Vietnam  while serving  with Company I,  Third Battalion,  Twenty-Sixth Marines, Third Marine Division.   On 20 January  1968, while attacking an enemy position in the vicinity of Hill 881, Corporal SAMSA's platoon came  under heavy  fire from a numerically  superior North  Vietnamese Army  force.   Reacting  immediately,   Corporal  SAMSA  disregarded  his  own safety as he exposed himself to hostile fire  to deliver 3.5 inch rockets against the enemy emplacements.  When the rocket ammunition  was expended,  he exposed himself  to sniper  fire to  act  as  the  Forward Observer  for  the  81mm  mortar section.  Ignoring  the  danger to  his life, he  moved  to exposed  vantage  points where he could observe and accurately adjust  the mortar fire which enabled  the platoon to move to alternate positions.  When the platoon subsequently resumed its mission against another objective,  Corporal SAMSA skillfully  requested and adjusted  mortar fire  that enabled his  platoon to safely  withdraw after  success- fully assaulting  its objective.  Corporal  SAMSA's  courage, bold  initiative  and selfless  devotion to  duty at great  personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

Corporal SAMSA is authorized to wear the Combat "V".