Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Division:

    34th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 3, 1944

    Headquarters, 34th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 119 (October 30, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Paul M. Davey (ASN: 32098428), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 34th Infantry Division, in action on 3 June 1944, in the vicinity of Lanuvio, Italy. When their company was halted by heavy enemy machine gun fire, he and three comrades volunteered to seek out the hostile positions. While working their way through heavy barbed wire entanglements, they drew heavy fire from the Germans and sought cover in a ditch. Private First Class Joseph Pucek then crawled back to the platoon under the covering fire of his comrades. Private First Class Joe H. Hoogerheide continued the fight with hand grenades. Private First Class Paul Kemmler and Private First Class Paul Davey withdrew. When the exploding grenades forced the enemy to seek cover, these two men also withdrew, signaling the mortar platoon to open fire. The following mortar barrage disorganized the enemy and by nightfall the company was able to continue its advance toward Rome. The courageous determination displayed by these men was exemplary and a key factor in the success of the entire operation.