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) Paul M. Wakeman, Jr. (ASN: 0-50500), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 21 April 1951, in the vicinity of Yanggu, North Korea. On that date his unit had the mission of attacking an enemy-held hill near Yanggu. While he was advancing to observe the enemy’s positions, he encountered a squad from his unit which had been forced to withdraw from the hill by intense enemy small arms and hand grenade fire, and had become disorganized. Immediately, Captain Wakeman reorganized the unit and personally led it back up the hill, forcing the enemy to flee from their well-concealed fox holes, and pursuing the enemy until he could place direct fire upon the enemy positions. He remained in an exposed position, calling in a barrage of mortar fire, until he was seriously wounded by a short round and subsequently evacuated. His outstanding leadership and tactical knowledge were an inspiration to all who observed him, and were primary factors in the success of the unit in accomplishing its mission. The gallant conduct of Captain Wakeman on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.