The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Paul Z. Towber (ASN: 0-1822341), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 811th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 21 February 1945 in Germany. Disregarding his own personal safety, Lieutenant Towber voluntarily crawled through severe hostile fire to within fifty yards of an enemy tank, which was delaying an attack, and by firing three rounds from a rocket launcher completely destroyed it. The bravery and courageous devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Towber were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.