The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Apprentice First Class Sammy Hand (NSN: 8662373), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Corpsman attached to the First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 7 March 1945. Hospital Apprentice First Class Hand exposed himself freely to enemy fire while he rendered medical aid to a wounded Marine who lay many yards out past the front lines. Without a moment’s hesitation, Hospital Apprentice First Class Hand rushed to this Marine’s aid and while administering to his wounds, was himself wounded. His courageous conduct was constantly a source of inspiration to his fellow Marines and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.