The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Arthur F. Samson (MCSN: 265075), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First battalion, Eighteenth marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Landing his bulldozer tractor with the assistance of another Marine during fierce hostilities on D-Day, Sergeant Samson skillfully drove to the beach despite the enemy’s shattering machine-gun and sniper fire and boldly pressed forward to crush heavily fortified enemy positions during the initial stages of the battle. Continuing his same daring tactics later in the action, he fearlessly countered bitter hostile resistance to pioneer enemy-infested roads, effect repairs for our advancing forces and transport sleds of vital ammunition to our troops on the opposite side of the fire-swept airstrip. By his dauntless perseverance, unwavering determination and cool courage in the face of grave danger, Sergeant Samson contributed materially to the success of our operations against this important Japanese stronghold and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.