The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Sam W. Pappas (ASN; RA-27043660), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 12 September 1950, in the vicinity of Changyong, Korea. On that date his company was engaged in probing enemy lines and defending the right flank of the regiment. Private Pappas, who was a cook, voluntarily left his safe position in the rear and went forward as a rifleman to aid his greatly outnumbered and thinly deployed company. He joined his comrades in an assault against the well-entrenched enemy and during the advance he single-handedly charged and destroyed a fortified enemy position with hand grenades. While engaged at close quarters with the enemy, he was killed by hostile fire. The gallantry and inspirational devotion to duty displayed by Private Pappas reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.