The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Samuel Garza (ASN: US-56724181), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Garza distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 May 1969, while serving as a Mortarman with Company E, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during an enemy attack on Landing Zone GRANT in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning ours, the firebase came under intense mortar, rocket, machine gun, and small arms fire. In addition to this barrage of hostile rounds, the fanatical enemy threw a massive human wave attack of enemy sappers against the perimeter, momentarily stunning the effectiveness of the defense bunkers and managed successfully to enter the perimeter. Savage hostiles almost immediately overran three bunkers near Company E’s area of operation. The inoperable defense positions allowed more enemy soldiers to enter the breached perimeter and further enhanced the opportunities of the enemy sappers. Immediately, Specialist Fourth Class Garza joined a volunteer reaction force. Completely ignoring his personal safety, he advanced toward the foreign occupied positions through the fierce barrage of hostile fire. So intense was the bombardment that Specialist Garza was thrown to the ground a number of times from the concussion of hurled satchel charges. His dedication to duty and the need of his fellow soldiers inspired him on, and he continued to maneuver through the field of fire. While advancing on the enemy bunker positions, he noticed two enemy soldiers attempting to breach the perimeter wire, and disregarding his personal safety, he opened up with his rifle and placed highly effective fire upon them, successfully eliminating them both. He pressed forward and threw grenades into the enemy positions and did not retreat until the last bunker had been recaptured and all the wounded carried to a secure area. Only then did he return to his place of duty and continue supplying illumination for the battle-scarred firebase. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.