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 Staff Sergeant Delvin V. Sample, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces Near Mount Grande, Italy, on 21 October 1944. Staff Sergeant Sample led his men in assaulting a group of enemy-occupied houses situation on a steep and rocky hill. Approaching the objective, he placed one squad in position to provide covering fire and then aggressively led the remaining two squads across an open field to a point within 75 yards of the first house. At this point, he and his men were subjected to intense enemy crossfire from machine guns situated in hay stacks. Rushing forward fearlessly, Staff Sergeant Sample tossed a grenade into one haystack, killing one enemy gunner and wounding two others. Disregarding a painful wound during this action, Staff Sergeant Sample rushed toward the officer and killed him with one shot. At this time he was wounded again, but his fearless actions had distracted the attention of the enemy and enabled his men to seize the house, capturing 28 prisoners. Although unable to move, Staff Sergeant Sample supervised the reorganization of the platoon and the establishment of a defensive position, and later directed his men in repulsing a counter attack until he finally collapsed. His heroism in battle was an inspiration to his men and exemplifies the fighting traditions of the Infantryman. Staff Sergeant Sample’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, the 88th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.