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 E. Jeffries (ASN: US-52059227), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 1 September 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On this date Private Jeffries, as gunner of a 57-mm. rifle, was attached to the unit as a supporting element during an operation to secure a strategic enemy-held hill. During the attack, Private Jeffries openly exposed himself to enemy observation and fire to direct the fire of his 57-mm. rifle on enemy installations. He succeeded in destroying several enemy bunkers and inflicted numerous casualties upon the enemy before he was fatally wounded by hostile fire. The gallantry in action and self-sacrificing devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Jeffries reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.