The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Samuel Jepma (ASN: 37171604), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Pawing, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 20 and 21 October 1944. Following the initial landing at Leyte, Sergeant Jepma occupied a foxhole on the beachhead perimeter. At 0400 a large Japanese force counterattacked with grenades and rifle fire, attempting to drive the invasion troops into the sea. Opening fire with his machine gun, Sergeant Jepma killed several and forced the attackers to retreat in disorder. The enemy reorganized and renewed their assault, this time supported by machine guns and mortars. When a grenade fell in his foxhole and wounded one of the two other occupants, he turned his weapon over to the uninjured man and, heedless of his own safety, moved his wounded comrade to a positions of comparative safety. Then returning to his gun, he continued to fire it until his second companion was killed. By this time, the enemy had worked to the rear of his position and he was receiving fire from both front and rear. Shifting to a new position, he resumed fire and, although wounded, maintained his gallant resistance until his ammunition was exhausted. Toward morning, when enemy fire slackened, he picked up his wounded comrade and brought him safely through the Japanese lines. Then assuming command of his squad, he reorganized it and led a counter-attack which regained the lost ground. By his tenacity, determined aggressiveness and outstanding heroism in almost single-handedly repulsing an enemy attack, Sergeant Jepma saved the life of one comrade and prevented the loss of terrain vital to the success of the regimental mission. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 24th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.