Sam W. King, Jr.

Coxswain, U. S. Coast Guard

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: U.S. Coast Guard Book of Valor and Supplements
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Coxswain Sam W. King (CGSN: 241027), United States Coast Guard, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of a gun crew serving on board the Transport Ship U.S.S. CALLAWAY (APA-35), Flagship of Transport Division TWENTY-SIX, when that vessel was struck by a Japanese plane in Lingayen Gulf, off the Coast of Luzon, in the Philippine Islands, on 8 January 1945.
Manning his station aggressively when the vessel was attacked by a Japanese suicide plane, Coxswain King unhesitatingly relinquished all chance of escape as the plane plunged toward the target and remaining steadfast at his gun and continued to direct his fire with unrelenting fury upon the enemy until carried away with his weapon by the terrific impact. With indomitable fighting spirit and unyielding devotion to duty in the valiant defense of his ship Coxswain King gallantly gave his life for his country.