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 [then Private First Class] Paul C. Klingler, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 388th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on the FIFTH Army front in Italy during World War II. Sergeant Klingler remained alone in a forward position after four other riflemen assigned to serve as a covering force had been forced to with draw. With a hand grenade he destroyed an enemy machinegun being emplaced 25 yards from him, killing one German soldier and wounding another. Three other Germans attacked him with hand grenades, and he killed all three with rifle fire. By this time, his platoon was established in positions to the rear and the need for the covering force ended. Sergeant Klingler started back to join the others when German mortar shell, landing nearby, knocked him unconscious. His dauntless courage in remaining alone to engage the enemy force enable the platoon to secure the objective and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the military service.