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 First Class Paul W. Knudtson (ASN: RA-17173087), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Tank Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 12 February 1951 in the vicinity of Hoengsong, Korea. On that date, Sergeant Knudtson was a tank commander of a tank platoon engaged jointly with the regimental security platoon in an effort to penetrate hostile lines in order to effect a link-up with the friendly forces encircled by the enemy. The task force was suddenly confronted by approximately 400 enemy seemingly expressing the desire to surrender by waving white flags. When the ruse was discovered, a fierce firefight ensued. The tank of the platoon leader received a direct hit which overturned the tank and pinned the platoon leader underneath the gun. Sergeant Knudtson immediately moved his tank into position to cover his platoon leader and the withdrawal of the task force from the trap. In utter defiance of the close proximity of the enemy and the heavy fire all around him, he repeatedly dismounted from his tank to rescue wounded and to direct their removal to safety. As both the security platoon leader and the tank platoon leader had fallen casualties, Sergeant Knudtson resolutely assumed command of the task force and directed it in extricating itself from the trap with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Sergeant Knudtson reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.