The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private] Granville F. Samples (ASN: 15112892), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 21 December 1944, about one-half mile from ****, Belgium. Sergeant Samples, assistant wire chief, displayed great initiative and courage under fire while laying wire from the Battalion Command Post within one thousand yards of a Tiger Tank. The tank shelled him for the next thirty minutes, but in the cover of a shallow ditch, he spliced a new reel, then went out and repaired five fresh breaks caused by the tank’s fire. His courageous and timely action provided constant communications for the greatest part of his regiment. Sergeant Samples’ heroism under fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Airborne Forces.