The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Samuel S. Graham, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Paestrum, Italy, during the landings at Salerno, on 9 September 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Graham was in advance of his battalion which had been delayed at the beach by disrupted boat schedules. Observing enemy mortars and artillery directly to his front, which were laying an intense barrage on the entire beach area, he organized a small group of about 70 men and with utter disregard for his own safety, personally led this small group under fire around and beside hostile artillery, mortars and machine guns and drove the enemy from his well-defended positions. During this action, six enemy tanks counterattacked with artillery and machine gun fire, but Lieutenant Colonel Graham vigorously led the force forward along with other groups which had attached themselves to his command. They attacked tanks and enemy forces which were retreating in front of the sector, until the battalion as a completed unit was able to occupy and hold this vital area near the beach. Lieutenant Colonel Graham’s forceful leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.