The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Sam Sims Walker (ASN: 0-28197), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Captain Walker distinguished himself by courageous action near Sonju, Korea, on 23 September 1950. After a forced march over twenty miles, during his battalion’s advance, his company was assigned the mission of clearing large enemy forces form the left position of the town. As the company entered, the enemy swept the area with intense mortar and small arms fire. With utter disregard for his own safety, Captain Walker moved among his men placing them in positions from which they could obtain maximum fire power and urging them on to greater efforts. During the furious fight he repeatedly exposed himself to withering fire in order to better direct his command in its assault against the well dug-in enemy. His fearless example served well to inspire his men who went on to secure their objective, inflicting heavy casualties among the enemy force and destroying or capturing many guns and other equipment. Captain Walker’s courageous actions, devotion to duty and exemplary leadership reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.