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 J. Hicks (ASN: 35691240), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 August 1944, in France. Staff Sergeant Hicks and two companions were leaving their battalion which was surrounded by the enemy to obtain urgently needed supplies when they were subjected to fire from an enemy machine gun position. Armed only with a pistol, Staff Sergeant Hicks gallantly advanced and knocked out the machine gun position single-handedly. Having neutralized this obstacle to their advance, he rejoined his companions and proceeded forward to accomplish their original mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Hicks, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.