The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joseph J. Sampanetti (MCSN: 931556), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company K, Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 12 March 1945. Although exposed to intense hostile mortar fire, Private First Class Sampanetti remained at his gun and continued to bring heavy fire to bear on a large enemy group attempting to infiltrate near his position. Despite repeated attempts by the Japanese to destroy his weapon, he skillfully occupied a series of alternate positions and, by his relentless firing, repulsed the determined enemy attempt to attack in force, thereby causing their withdrawal. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.