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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Paul A. Hurst (ASN: 37206170), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 314th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 25 June 1944 in France. When enemy guns were firing from well emplaced positions in the face of a steep cliff overlooking the city of Cherbourg, where friendly troops were fighting in the streets, Sergeant Hurst volunteered to attempt to reconnoiter an avenue of approach for the purpose of demolishing the enemy artillery pieces. He deliberately made his way down the face of the cliff, despite the fact that the surface was exceedingly slippery due to the steady rain, and the further danger from enemy small arms, to which he was constantly exposed. He accomplished his mission and returned to the top of the cliff to lead a group of volunteers along the route he had selected from where they were able to successfully place their demolition charges and silence the enemy emplacements. For his dauntless courage in the face of grave danger, and his devotion to duty, Sergeant Hurst reflects highest credit on himself and the armed forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Sergeant

    Regiment:

    314th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    79th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 7 & 8, 1944
    Headquarters, 79th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 53 (September 12, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Sergeant Paul A. Hurst (ASN: 37206170), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 314th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 and 8 July 1944 in France. During an advance along a sunken road in terrain rendered exceedingly difficult because of numerous hedgerows concealing powerful enemy elements, an intense artillery and mortar barrage suddenly laid down by the enemy caused many casualties among the company officers and left but one lieutenant to assume command. Sergeant Hurst assisted this officer so capably that when the one remaining officer was forced out of action as a result of severe wounds the battalion commander placed Sergeant Hurst in command of the company. He led the company to the attack, maintained excellent control of his units during the most intense enemy fire, and successfully repulsed several attempts by the enemy to counterattack during the night of 7 July 1944. On the morning of 8 July 1944 he led the company in an assault on the well entrenched enemy positions and in spite of heavy casualties from enemy artillery, machine gun and mortar fire, he was able to keep the attack progressing and succeeded in dislodging the enemy from many strongpoints, forcing the main body to withdraw. For his skillful leadership, his devotion to his men and his duty, and for his courageous actions at all times in the face of the gravest peril, Sergeant Hurst reflects the highest credit both upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.