The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Samuel A. Crandell (ASN: 32152896), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 740th Tank Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 2 February 1945, near ****, Germany. When two of five tanks were knocked out by enemy fire and the remaining three were forced to take cover behind a building, Technician Fourth Grade Crandell, a tank commander, nosed his vehicle from behind the building in an effort to draw fire. Disregarding the accurate fire of two enemy anti-tank guns, Technician Fourth Grade Crandell left his tank in this exposed position long enough for the enemy weapons to be spotted and destroyed. Then, with great courage and initiative, he ran the tank completely out from the building, drawing the concentrated fire of the five enemy tanks. This enabled the remaining tanks to locate and destroy the concealed enemy vehicles. The daring courage and initiative displayed by Technician Fourth Grade Crandell in this action were dominant factors in the success of the mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.