The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Charles Ellis Sams (MCSN: 0-39479), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon leader, attached to Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 23 April 1945. When his combat patrol was viciously attacked by a strategically-posted enemy machine gun supported by numerous riflemen, Second Lieutenant Sams fearlessly took a highly vulnerable stand from which he organized and directed his platoon and skillfully led them in an assault, completely annihilating the hostile force and enabling the patrol to continue its mission. Again surprised by attack later that day, but unable to determine the enemy’s concealed position, he deliberately exposed himself to the slashing fire so his platoon might locate and destroy the hostile Japanese. Although mortally wounded in the fierce action, Second Lieutenant Sams , by his cool courage and unwavering devotion to duty, had contributed materially to the saving of many lives and his indomitable leadership in the face of extreme peril upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.