The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Paul T. Jackson (ASN: 37200310), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 743d Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 October 1944, in Germany. Staff Sergeant Jackson was commanding four tanks giving support to an infantry battalion when the sector was subjected to an intense enemy counterattack of several tanks and supporting infantrymen. Within a few minutes, the enemy had overrun the outer defenses, and Staff Sergeant Jackson hastily organized a second line of defense. For nearly an hour, while under fierce fire from enemy artillery, mortars, and a numerically superior tank force, Staff Sergeant Jackson’s command held the enemy at bay until reinforcements arrived. His gallantry and tenacity against seemingly overwhelming odds succeeded not only in stemming the hostile thrust, but in destroying one enemy tank and a considerable number of enemy troops. The initiative, leadership, and gallantry demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Jackson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.