The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Paul Fernando Mauricio (ASN: 0-1319099), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 12 August 1950, when the battalion command post in the vicinity of Taejon-ni, Korea, was attacked by numerically superior enemy forces which had penetrated the battalion perimeter, Lieutenant Mauricio observed than an enemy machine gun was going into action to the rear of the command post. Braving the withering enemy fire concentrated on the area, he made his way toward the hostile machine gun, And effectively silenced it before he was mortally wounded. By his outstanding courage, initiative and exemplary leadership, Lieutenant Mauricio eliminated a grave danger to his unit. His gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.