The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Sam Foster (ASN: 33071072), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery A, 493d Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 12th Armored Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Herlisheim, France on 16 January 1945. Staff Sergeant Foster, acting as forward observer with the 17th Armored Infantry Battalion when the infantry withdrew for a better position, remained at his post forward of the infantry elements for six hours directing artillery fire on the enemy strong points and installations. The heavy enemy attack continued, and when his post was surrounded, Staff Sergeant Foster, although endangering his own life by doing so, called for fire around his immediate position until his death. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.