The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Paul C. Rapp, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action near Carentan, France on 14 July 1944. While directing the combat operations of his company he was severely wounded in both legs by enemy mortar fire. During his return from this exposed position, Captain Rapp, without regard for his painful wounds or personal safety, picked up a critically wounded soldier and carried him on his shoulders 100 yards across an open field under direct fire to a place of comparative safety. Captain Rapp’s gallant action and heroic achievement reflect great credit on himself and the Army of the United States.