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 E. Fought (ASN: 36727642), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 5 February 1945 in Luxembourg. On the night of 5 February 1945, Private First Class Fought, an Aid Man, volunteered to accompany a patrol across the Sauer River into the Siegfried Line near Dillingen, Luxembourg. As their boat neared the enemy shore it was fired upon by enemy machine guns which wounded seven men, one of whom was Private First Class Fought. The enemy fire forced the patrol to return to the friendly side of the river where those who were able took cover. Disregarding his own safety and painful injuries, Private First Class Fought made six trips carrying and leading the wounded from the boat. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.