Sampson J. Stephens
Private, U.S. Army

On 22-25 February 1945, then-Private Sampson J. Stephens was serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army.

During that time, PVT Stephens’ unit was in action against German forces on high ground overlooking Saarbrücken, Germany, during the Siegfried Line Campaign when the enemy counterattacked positions held by Company C. When an assaulting tank threatened to break through, PVT Stephens advanced alone through intense fire, armed only with a rocket launcher. Although under direct observation of the Germans, PVT Stephens obtained a position within 15 yards of the tank and put it out of action with one round of fire. PVT Stephens fought on with characteristic aggressiveness with his unit until he was killed by German fire on 25 February 1945. PVT Stephens’ courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Sampson J. Stephens (ASN: 34946539), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 22 February 1945. On that date, the enemy counterattacked positions held by Private Stephens' company. When an assaulting tank threatened to break through, Private Stephens, with complete disregard for his own safety advanced alone through intense fire, armed only with a rocket launcher. Although under direct enemy observation he obtained a position within 15 yards of the tank and put it out of action with one round of fire. Private Stephens fought on with characteristic aggressiveness with his unit until he was killed by enemy fire on 25 February 1945. Private Stephens' intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 70th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 100 (May 11, 1945)

Burial

Private Sampson J. Stephens is buried at the Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Epinal, Departement des Vosges, Lorraine, France in Plot A, Row 27, Grave 18.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56375734/sampson-j-stephens