The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Paris E. Perswell (ASN: 0-446049), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, on 28 April 1943. Although subjected to extremely heavy fire, Lieutenant Perswell led his platoon on to its objective and succeeded in dislodging the enemy from its fortifications. Later, finding himself cut off from his platoon and unarmed and outnumbered, he chose to grapple with the enemy until mortally wounded, rather than give himself up. 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.