The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Paul Keene, Jr. (ASN: 0-406950), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 732d Ordnance Company, Headquarters, 32d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Buna Area, New Guinea, on 27 December 1942. At about 10:50 hours First Lieutenant Keene was called to a gun position to insert the recoil mechanism of the 37-mm. gun, which was not functioning properly. This gun position was located on the island, opposite Buna Mission, and being the only weapon of the kind on the island, it was very necessary that it be repaired immediately. Through difficult swamp and jungle undergrowth, and under heavy fire, First Lieutenant Keen crawled to the gun position, and repaired the weapon. The gun position was about 100 yards from the nearest enemy firing position, but had been under direct and constant enemy fire. Through First Lieutenant Keene’s gallant work in repairing this essential weapon the morale of the troops was raised considerably. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Keene, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

(UNCONFIRMED – Citation Needed): Paul Keene, Jr., United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 32d Infantry Division during World War II.