The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Paul W. Koblarchick (ASN: 0-1173334), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 31 January 1945, in the vicinity of Neukirchen, France. Although only a volunteer observer of a patrol, and without regard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Koblarchick stood up in view of the enemy to draw fire so that other members of the patrol might reach safety of cover some distance away. His outstanding gallantry in this self-assigned mission under fire reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.