The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Paul K. Church (ASN: RA-15278886), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery A, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 4 March 1951, in the vicinity of Chigu-ri, Korea. Acting as radio operator with the forward observer party for Company F, 9th Infantry Regiment, he was charged with the responsibility of radioing his unit to direct and register fire. Immediately upon setting up position on a prominent knoll, his party became subjected to an intense and heavy mortar barrage from the enemy, with the rounds registering within twenty feet of his position, wounding several men. It was at this time that he completely disregarded his own personal safety and instead of seeking cover, further exposed himself in an effort to locate the mortar and radio for fire to silence it. Between his radio calls he remained at this position, calling encouragement to his comrades and directing them to cover, saving many lives, and was instrumental in silencing the enemy mortar fire. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Church and his cool, determined conduct while under fire reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.