The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Paul DeVivo (ASN: 42075320), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 24 January 1945, in the vicinity of Bennwihr, France. Pinned down under intense enemy rifle, machine gun and intermittent mortar and artillery fire, Private First Class DeVivo moved back 350 yards through an open snow-covered field to get ammunition. In his absence his company withdrew from their position, under cover of smoke, abandoning their machine gun. Upon returning near his position, Private First Class DeVivo observed his company’s withdrawal and, in the face of intense fire, regained the position and retrieved the machine gun. His effort was successful and he immediately employed the valuable weapon against the enemy. 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 and the United States Army.