Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 11, 1943

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 94 (1944)

    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), [then Second Lieutenant] Samuel S. Crissman, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on the morning of 11 July 1943, in Sicily. First Lieutenant Crissman led his platoon 300 yards across a ploughed field to engage and destroy an enemy platoon which, armed with eight machineguns, was moving into position to deliver fire on the exposed left flank of the battalion. Despite bullets hitting within inches of him he remained constantly at least 20 yards ahead of his men, knocking out one enemy machine gun by carbine fire delivered from a distance of 40 yards and pointing out to his men targets which they dispatched. By example he led his platoon forward. Although wounded in the shoulder by machine gun fire, he shouted for his men to push and so inspired them by his own courage under fire that they forced the enemy to withdraw, leaving behind one machinegun and at least 20 casualties. His swift and courageous actions reflected great credit upon himself and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.