The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Paul M. Buckles (ASN: 0-741877), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the 404th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action on 29 January 1945. When he was leading a four aircraft flight of P-47 type aircraft in the vicinity of St. Vith, Captain Buckles observed a formation of friendly aircraft receiving intense anti-aircraft fire from emplacements concealed in a wooded sector. Despite the heavy enemy fire he attacked the gun positions and destroyed them thus permitting the friendly aircraft to complete their mission without interference. Shortly thereafter Captain Buckles sighted a convoy of enemy tanks and other vehicles flanked along both sides of a road for more than five miles. Unescorted, he executed a brilliant and continuous strafing attack upon the convoy at extremely low altitude and although his aircraft sustained severe damage from point-blank enemy fire he nevertheless continued his daring low-level attack, inflicting heavy damage on the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.