(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Field Artillery) Paul Amos Gavan (ASN: 0-17169), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Assistant Operations Officer of the 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against the enemy at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in 1942 and 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Gavan, 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.