The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Paul D. Sterling (ASN: 20606045), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Asin, Mountain Province, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 16 April 1945. On that date, Sergeant Sterling was leading his platoon against well-concealed and readily-defensible enemy positions when it was suddenly subjected to intense machine gun, mortar, and rifle fire. In order to determine the exact location of the enemy strongpoints, Sergeant Sterling skillfully worked his way forward through thick grass in spite of the intensity of the defensive fire and spotted an enemy machine gun nest which he destroyed with an accurately thrown hand grenade. The enemy then concentrated machine gun fire upon the platoon from another concealed position which Sergeant Sterling was unable to find. He deliberately exposed himself to this fire in order that his men might locate and neutralize it and in doing so was mortally wounded. By his conspicuous heroism at the cost of his life Sergeant Sterling saved his platoon from serious losses and enabled it to overcome an almost impregnable positions. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 33d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.