The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] Paul F. Eskew (ASN: RA-14257519), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On this date during an assault upon enemy positions, Sergeant Eskew, forward observer, continually exposed himself to intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire to observe for his mortar section. On many occasions, he had to utilize his personal weapons against the enemy in order to gain and maintain positions from which he could effectively observe the fire of the mortars. When the mortar fire became ineffective against the well-built enemy emplacements, Sergeant Eskew drove the enemy out into the open by single-handedly assaulting their positions, firing his carbine and throwing grenades. As a result of his courageous actions, the enemy was forced to abandon its position and suffered heavy casualties. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Eskew reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.