The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Samuel A. Rutherford (ASN: 0-1320288), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 1 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date the machine gun section commanded by Lieutenant Rutherford was supporting a rifle company’s attack on Hill 287. During the assault the rifle company was subjected to an enemy counterattack. Under intense enemy mortar and small arms fire he moved from one gun position to another directing the fire of his gunners. On two occasions he relieved wounded gunners, firing the weapons with great effect against the onrushing enemy. When he observed one of his men fall from a wound, he moved through the fire-swept area with complete indifference for his personal safety and carried the wounded soldier approximately 100 yards to a point of safety. Throughout the engagement he was a source of great inspiration to his men and his skillful leadership aided materially in halting the enemy counterattack and allowed the rifle company to seize its objective without further casualties. The gallantry displayed on this occasion by Lieutenant Rutherford reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.