The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Samuel P. McNeal (MCSN: 399661), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945. With his platoon unable to advance under the enemy’s intense mortar, machine-gun and rifle fire, Platoon Sergeant McNeal personally directed return mortar fire upon the hostile installations from an exposed position. Determined not to risk the lives of numerous men in attacking the position, he employed the weapons of his platoon for covering fire and, advancing alone with hand grenades and a rifle, personally destroyed the Japanese strong point. Although mortally wounded during this action, Platoon Sergeant McNeal, by his valiant leadership, unwavering devotion to duty and indomitable fighting spirit during a critical stage of the battle, had enabled his platoon to seize the vital high ground in their sector with a minimum of casualties and his courageous conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Samuel P. McNeal (MCSN: 399661), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 3 July 1944. When our advance was held up while he was in charge of a patrol with the mission of maintaining contact with friendly troops on the left flank, Sergeant McNeal obtained permission to push forward with his patrol to investigate a large hill containing numerous caves from which fire was being directed at adjacent units and, boldly disregarding heavy enemy fire, led his men to the hill and eliminated an enemy machine gun position. Although painfully wounded in this action, Sergeant McNeal succeeded in bringing his patrol back to our lines. His courage, determination and zealous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.