The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Service Corps) Samuel Gilmore Umstot, Jr. (ASN: OF-116595), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 September 1968, Captain Umstot was serving as the Battalion Medical Operations Assistant on a reconnaissance in force operation. As the friendly force proceeded through the treacherous area, it was suddenly subjected to intense rocket propelled grenade, machine gun, and automatic weapons fire from well concealed enemy positions which caused numerous casualties. Exposing himself to the enemy barrage raking the area, Captain Umstot began treating the more seriously wounded and directed their immediate evacuation to more secure locations. When the battle intensified, he continued to supervise the medical aid teams removing the injured soldiers. While moving about the area, he observed several casualties lying near the advancing Viet Cong position. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Umstot maneuvered through the hail of hostile rounds and was mortally wounded while administering first aid to a companion. The exemplary courage, outstanding professional leadership, and selfless concern for his comrades demonstrated by Captain Umstot were instrumental in saving numerous lives, and significantly contributed to the success of the mission. Captain Umstot’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.