The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Roland C. Paeth (ASN: 36567971), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 16 February to 23 February 1945. Private First Class Emil Ehrenbold, Private First Class Roland C. Paeth, and Staff Sergeant Lewis A. Vershum established a road block at Malinta Point and maintained this strategic position for eight successive days under almost unbearable living conditions. They helped repulse eight successive night attacks made b the Japanese. On the eighth night, they withstood an organized attack by twenty-three Japanese armed with rifles, bayonets, pistols, savers, and grenades. The entire attacking force was destroyed. The next morning they assisted in the evacuation of wounded comrades over difficult terrain and under heavy enemy fire. Their courageous actions and successful maintenance of the road block prevented the enemy from infiltrating behind our lines. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Paeth, 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.