The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Sergeant First Class] Sam Dimenza (ASN: RA-36973887), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 12 August 1952, a platoon of Company L, 3d Battalion, of which Sergeant Dimenza was serving as Chief of the recoilless rifle section to be employed as a base of fire, was assigned the mission of assaulting enemy positions on a hill in the vicinity of Chokko-ri, Korea, and capturing a prisoner for intelligence purposes. The forces encountered light enemy resistance in successfully enacting their assaults upon the secondary hostile positions. As they began initiating their attack upon the primary objective, they became the recipient of intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons and grenade fire, hampering the final success of their mission. Upon observing that the recoilless rifle gunner was seriously wounded and comprehending the gravity of the situation, Sergeant Dimenza picked up the weapon and disregarding his personal safety, he carried it across the fire-swept terrain to the forward slope of the hill where he stood exposed to the lethal enemy fire, delivering a volley of rounds upon the hostile forces manning the automatic weapons. He fired the weapon so accurately and effectively that he soon silenced six of the eight enemy automatic weapons, enabling the friendly forces to overrun the enemy positions. Suddenly the foe counterattacked the friendly unit on both flanks and were attempting to isolate the recoilless rifle section. Aware of the new enemy threat, Sergeant Dimenza courageously advanced to another position and standing exposed to the hostile fire, he commenced firing upon the fanatical enemy. Although twice wounded by grenade fragments, he continued to harass the foe until they were subdued. Sergeant Dimenza’s conspicuous gallantry, grim determination and outstanding courage contributed greatly to the success achieved by the friendly unit in its mission and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.