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 L. Patterson (ASN: 16054681), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 743d Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 February 1945, in Germany. During an attack Staff Sergeant Patterson noticed that friendly infantry troops were receiving heavy fire from the enemy. Moving his tank swiftly into position, he opened fire on the enemy allowing the troops to move forward. As Staff Sergeant Patterson continued on, a direct hit on his tank wounded him but he refused to be evacuated. Dismounting, he had his wounds bandaged and then returned to his tank and fired round after round at an enemy tank until one round penetrated it, killed the enemy gunner, and caused the remainder of the crew to leave the tank and flee. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Patterson, 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.