The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Paul Bernard Taft (ASN: RA-19360008), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Private First Class Taft distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Soju-ri, Korea, on 17 November 1950. On that date, the advance of his platoon, with an accompanying tank, was stopped by intense cross-fire from two enemy machine-guns flanked by riflemen. Private First Class Taft ran through the fire-swept area and, although seriously wounded twice, succeeded in reaching the tank and directing its effective fire on the enemy machine-gun before dying from his wounds. His heroic action resulted in elimination of the hostile positions and routing the enemy by his comrades. His inspiring courage and gallant self-sacrifice will remain forever as a symbol of the utmost heroism among fighting men. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Private First Class Taft on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.