The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Samuel R. Shull (MCSN: 0-35932), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Rifle Platoon Leader of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 2 May 1945. When his platoon was pinned down by heavy machine-gun fire during an attack against strong hostile emplacements, Second Lieutenant Shull set up a base of fire from covered positions and moved forward to locate the enemy automatic weapon position which was holding up the advance. In spite of intense fire, he succeeded in locating the emplacement and returned to his platoon to direct the placement of his automatic weapons and neutralize the Japanese position. Mortally wounded while leading his platoon forward to capture the objective, Second Lieutenant Shull, by his initiative, courage and inspiring leadership, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.