The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Paul G. Hollister, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 2d Battalion, 163d Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division, in action at Biak, New Guinea, on 23 April 1944. With exceptional leadership and courage, Major Hollister employed his organization to an excellent advantage. Given the task of capture of the strategically important Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea, he, despite the hazards and adversity of the gungle, swiftly and efficiently accomplished his mission. His encorugement and calm manner gave incentive and courage to his men and the fullest cooperation was exemplified by his battalion. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Hollister, 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Paul Goodrich Hollister, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company D, 2d Battalion, 163d Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Sanananda, New Guinea, on 9 January 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Hollister, 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.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Paul G. Hollister, United States Army, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 163d Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division, in action at Biak, New Guinea, on 28 May 1944. During a phase of an operation against a Japanese bastion, Lieutenant Colonel Hollister’s battalion minus one company was cut off during an advance. Going immediately into the front lines, the commander, by his presence and shrewd issuance of orders, did much to inspire the men. The company eventually fought its way back to the battalion but the Japanse counterattacked with tanks Lieutenant Colonel Hollister’s battalion was momentarily surround, but four times the enemy was beaten back. Lieutenant Colonel Holliser called in fire from a cruiser, destroyer, a rocket ship, and three battalions of artillery, which fired 3,200 rounds of artillery. By skillful tactical maneuvering, he extricated his battalion from the untenable position and later gallantly led them in the attack which routed the foe. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.