FO with 1/3 1968
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.
Sunday, May 01, 2005 |
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Ken Roy
jkroy123@gateway.net
Artillery RO/FO attached to unit
6437 N. Bosworth, #3
Chicago, IL 60626
A warrior and a leader. Your light still guides, Skipper. Semper Fi.
Sunday, July 02, 2000 |
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Dennis McClellan
pademc1@cox.net
Served under his command in 1969
4232 E. Balsam Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85206
Tribute to Capt. Sam
Thanks to you and your hard driving, Marine Corp loving, viet cong hating ways I came home in mostly one piece. I wouldn't know how to begin to thank you for that. I wish you and everyone else with a name on the Wall had come home with me. It was an honor to serve with you. Semper Fi.
Thursday, November 20, 2003 |
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Bill Hall
Williamsport, PA 17701 USA
Thank you for your scarifice.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004 |
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Scott Herriott
sherriot@cinci.rr.com
Member of B Company in 1969
1069 Carraway Ln
Milford, Ohio 45150 USA
Capt. Sampson was the commanding officer of B Company, 1st Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division. I had the privilege of being in Capt. Sampson's company for a few months in 1969. I was first a platoon commander, and then the executive officer. Captain Sampson was an excellent infantry officer. There is a book with the title "The Grunts," written by Charles R. Anderson that is based on the operations of B Company for two months in 1969. Capt. Sampson is the central figure in that book. My tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam ended in July of 1969. Capt. Sampson was killed on August 28, 1969 in a battle with the NVA. He was awarded a Navy Cross for his actions that night. I truly regret that I was not there on Aug 28th to assist him in that battle against the NVA.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005 |
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