Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    129th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 14, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 677 (May 3, 1944)

    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 Private First Class Paul Story Hatch (ASN: 32930052), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 14 February 1944. Private First Class Hatch helped save a wounded comrade from falling into the hands of the enemy. He crawled and ran seventy-five yards through enemy fire and over rugged terrain to reach the casualty and drag him from his exposed position. Sniper fire drove the rescuers with their helpless casualty into a rifer, where the swift current swept them downstream for fifty yards before they could escape and carry the wounded man to safety. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Hatch, 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.