Capt Gerald Hilbert "Captain Sam" Sampson

Captain, United States Marine Corps B CO, 1ST BN, 3RD MARINES, 3RD MARDIV 23 May 1937 - 28 August 1969 Hometown on file: Williamsport, Pennsylvania

On the Wall at Panel 18W Line 004

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to GERALD HILBERT SAMPSON Captain United States Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

   For extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 28 August 1969, Company B, occupying a night defensive position deep in hostile territory northwest of Cam Lo, was assaulted by a large North Vietnamese Army force employing automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. In the initial onslaught, the second platoon commander was wounded and his sector of the perimeter was in grave danger of being breached by the enemy. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Sampson moved across the fire-swept terrain to the point of heaviest contact, rallied the beleaguered Marines, and began to direct their fire against the advancing North Vietnamese. During the fierce fire fight, he continually moved from one fighting position to another, instructing and encouraging his men and ensuring that the wounded received immediate treatment. While maneuvering across an exposed area on the foremost edge of the perimeter, Captain Sampson was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His unflagging determination and bold fighting spirit inspired his men to heroic efforts and were instrumental in turning a critical situation into an overwhelming Marine victory. By his leadership, extraordinary courage and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Sampson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jul 1 2018, 4:05:39 UTC

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Find a Grave

Birth: May 23, 1937 Lumberton Robeson County North Carolina, USA

Death: Aug. 28, 1969, Vietnam

Captain, United States Marine Corps B CO, 1ST BN, 3RD MARINES, 3RD MARDIV 23 May 1937 - 28 August 1969 Hometown on file: Williamsport, Pennsylvania

On the Wall at Panel 18W Line 004

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to GERALD HILBERT SAMPSON Captain United States Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 28 August 1969, Company B, occupying a night defensive position deep in hostile territory northwest of Cam Lo, was assaulted by a large North Vietnamese Army force employing automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. In the initial onslaught, the second platoon commander was wounded and his sector of the perimeter was in grave danger of being breached by the enemy. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Sampson moved across the fire-swept terrain to the point of heaviest contact, rallied the beleaguered Marines, and began to direct their fire against the advancing North Vietnamese. During the fierce fire fight, he continually moved from one fighting position to another, instructing and encouraging his men and ensuring that the wounded received immediate treatment. While maneuvering across an exposed area on the foremost edge of the perimeter, Captain Sampson was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His unflagging determination and bold fighting spirit inspired his men to heroic efforts and were instrumental in turning a critical situation into an overwhelming Marine victory. By his leadership, extraordinary courage and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Sampson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Family links:

Parents:

• Luther H. Sampson (1909 - 1972)

Burial: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery San Diego San Diego County California, USA Plot: C, 85-C

Maintained by: Beth Originally Created by: US Veterans Affairs Offi... Record added: Mar 04, 2000 Find A Grave Memorial# 3429052