The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Paul Paich (MCSN: 329066), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands on 16 June 1944. Seriously wounded when his platoon was pinned down by fire from two hostile machine guns during a perilous advance, Private First Class Paich voluntarily risked his life in a valiant attempt to wipe out the entrenchments. Unhesitatingly proceeding through the withering barrage, he boldly charged the emplacements and succeeded in destroying both weapons before he was mortally wounded by a bursting hostile shell. By his daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and self-sacrificing devotion to duty, Private First Class Paich contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital Japanese stronghold and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.