The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Samuel Vern Westerman (ASN: 0-968477), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Forward Field Artillery Observer with Battery A, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Westerman distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Yong Byong Myon, Korea, on 28 November 1950. Surrounded by a numerically superior, ruthless foe and subjected to devastating hostile fire, Company A was committed to attack and consolidate on high ground. Lieutenant Westerman skillfully controlled artillery fire, enabling the infantry to advance, overrun enemy positions, and secure the strategic hill. Immediately following this action, Lieutenant Westerman assumed a forward vantage point exposed to enemy observation to direct fire on the threatened area, often brining it to within one hundred yards of his location. Later, the enemy launched a ferocious counterattack and Lieutenant Westerman participated in the encounter, fearlessly directing artillery power and firing his carbine and pistol. Engaging in bitter fighting and close hand-to-hand combat, the friendly forces fought tenaciously but, in the face of overwhelming odds, withdrew and yielded the key terrain. Struck by a hostile bullet, Lieutenant Westerman was given first aid but refused evacuation and returned to the unit. When the company again assaulted the strongpoint, through expert direction of artillery support, he laid down a curtain of withering fire in front of the advancing infantry. After retaking the commanding ground, Lieutenant Westerman returned to his original position and directed continuous concentrations of fire, stopping only to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. The friendly unit held through three fanatical attacks and when ordered to withdraw, Lieutenant Westerman remained with the rear guard to provide protective fire for the orderly withdrawal of the company. The extraordinary heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Westerman on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.