The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Richard T. Paul (ASN: 0-1050415), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 4 January 1945, near Wingen, France. When attacking SS troops had dispersed elements of his battalion, Captain Paul grouped the available personnel and organized a defense around the motor pool. Although surrounded, this small unit held off the enemy for eighteen hours until, with pressure increasing, Captain Paul reconnoitered an escape route which required the building of a bridge of trees, brush and camouflage nets across a stream. Courageously leading the convoy and driving after his driver had been killed, he successfully brought the group out, even though the hostile force was at times within 25 yards of the convoy. During the movement, with the support of a commandeered 81-mm. mortar squad, Captain Paul and his small group repulsed numerous enemy attacks. By his gallant action all vehicles except two trailers were successfully evacuated.