The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert G. Paasch (MCSN: 374091), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the THIRD Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Bougainville, Solomon Islands on 23 and 24 November 1943. Laying an artillery forward observer telephone lines on 23 November while under a savage attack by Japanese artillery fire which had instantly killed his section chief, Private First Class Paasch courageously continued his work alone completing the installation and enabling our artillery to pen fire. Exposing himself frequently to the enemy’s fierce barrage he maintained the wire without assistance for the remainder of the day repairing numerous breaks cause by shell fire. Again subject to heavy artillery attacks while engaged alone in maintenance operations on the next day he moved four Marines wounded in his vicinity to a position of comparative safety, then continued his inspection and repairs unaided until the arrival of assistance several hours later. Private First Class Paasch’s fearless initiative, determined fortitude and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.