The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
BRONZE STAR MEDAL to
HOSPITALMAN ALAN B. SAMS
UNITED STATES NAVY
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION
"For heroic achievement in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong forces in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Corpsman with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division. On 7 February 1968, Hospitalman Sams was moving with a squad providing flank security for his platoon as it moved through enemy controlled territory south of Gio Linh in Quang Tri Province. Suddenly the platoon was ambushed and everyone in the squad, except Hospitalman Sams, was a casualty. For nearly nineteen hours the platoon was pinned down and separated from the remainder of the company. Completely disregarding his own safety and although deep within enemy territory, Hospitalman Sams remained with three casualties throughout the night to treat their wounds. Despite the imminent danger of discovery by the enemy and the proximity of friendly mortar fire against the hostile positions, he calmly comforted and encouraged his wounded companions. At daylight, the remainder of the company overran the enemy forces and rescued Hospitalman Sams and his three patients. His heroic and selfless actions undoubtedly saved the lives of his comrades and won the respect and admiration of all who served with him. Hospitalman Sams' courage, exceptional professional skill and steadfast 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."Hospitalman Sams is authorized to war the Combat "V".
For the President
H. W. BUSE, JR.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL. U.S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MAR1NE FORCE, PACIFIC
