The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Samuel A. Hillgrube (MCSN: 1126706), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 17 May 1952. Skillfully guiding his squad through a hostile mine field and barbed wire, Corporal Hillgrube courageously led his unit in an assault on an enemy stronghold. Successfully overrunning the position, he personally destroyed several enemy-occupied bunkers with demolition charges and, although wounded several times during the course of the action, and with his weapon blown from his hands by enemy grenades, valiantly exposed himself to intense hostile mortar and automatic weapons fire to reorganize his squad and direct the withdrawal to friendly lines. During the withdrawal, he refused medical attention until all other members of his unit had been treated. By his inspiring courage, initiative and unyielding devotion to duty, Corporal Hillgrube contributed materially to the success of the patrol and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.