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 Technician Fourth Grade Sampson C. Willoughby (ASN: 35097978), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Sergeant Willoughby dismounted from his tank under a hail of mortar and machine gun fire to hook a tow cable to his tank which had stalled during intense enemy action. After the vehicle had been started, he again dismounted to uncouple the tow cable. While so doing, he was fatally wounded. His action were an example to all and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.