The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Paul F. Curtis (MCSN: 271104), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-second Marines (Reinforced) First Provisional Marine Brigade during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands from 21 July to 10 August 1944. When his Platoon Leader was wounded and evacuated on the evening of D-Day, Platoon Sergeant Curtis took command of the platoon and led it courageously and efficiently throughout the remainder of the operation. On 23 July, he led an attack to destroy an enemy position which was placing enfilading fire on his company and holding up the advance of the right flank. On 27 July he personally eliminated two enemy positions with bazooka fire and then led a flanking attack which routed the enemy from a strong position holding up the attack in his sector. His courageous leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.