The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Paul S. Soltis (ASN: RA-13309272), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 3d Engineer Combat Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Waegwan, Korea, on 19 September 1950. During the assault crossing of the Naktong River his company was operating the assault boats. The enemy subjected the boats to intense mortar, machine gun and small arms fire and inflicted heavy casualties among the crews and assault troops. Seeing that this fire endangered the success of this most vital operation Corporal Soltis unhesitatingly left his position of relative safety and assisted in manning one of the boats. After making two successful trips across the river his boat was put out of action by enemy fire. Seeing another boat drifting downstream he retrieved the boat and with two of his comrades ferried another group of infantrymen across the fire-swept stream and returning with men wounded on the far shore. When the boat was repeatedly struck by enemy fire he inspired the other members of the crew to greater efforts in reaching the friendly shore. During the entire operation he distinguished himself time and again in his fearless actions. Corporal Soltis’ courage, complete devotion to duty and exemplary leadership reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Engineer Corps.