The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Samuel Clinton Sanders (MCSN: 2544591), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Combined Action Platoon 2-7-1, III Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 17 June 1970, while Lance Corporal Sanders and a companion were occupying an observation post forward of their platoon’s ambush site, an enemy explosive device landed in proximity to their position. Realizing that his comrade was unaware of the lethal object, and seemingly disregarding the danger to his own life, Lance Corporal Sanders quickly pushed his companion to the side, unhesitatingly threw himself over the man’s body to shield him, and absorbed the full effects of the explosion. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless concern for his fellowman, Lance Corporal Sanders saved his comrade from serious injury or possible death and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.