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 Private First Class Paul E. Kochanski (ASN: US-57514755), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 September 1950 in the vicinity of Poncho, Korea. On that date his company had attacked enemy positions. An undetermined number of enemy troops infiltrated to the company’s rear and emplaced two machine guns, creating a threat to the safe return of the company. After securing its objective, the company received orders to withdraw and Private Kochanski’s squad was directed to lead the movement. Upon reaching the middle of a rice paddy, the squad was fired upon by one of the enemy machine guns and the squad leader was wounded. Immediately and upon his own initiative he assumed command of his startled and disorganized comrades and attempted to maneuver against the hostile weapon. When fire from the other machine gun prevented this movement, he ordered his men to take cover and single-handedly assaulted the nearest gun, destroying it with hand grenades. He then fearlessly advanced to engage the second enemy emplacement and while firing upon it with his rifle was killed by enemy fire. His intrepid action in drawing the enemy fire upon himself allowed his squad to maneuver to a position from where they destroyed the remaining hostile gun. His heroic action enabled his company to effect its withdrawal with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry displayed on this occasion by Private Kochanski reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.