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 Paul D. Secor (ASN: 32250050), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 October 1944, in Germany. During an assault on the Siegfried Line, elements of his regiment were attempting to construct a footbridge across the Wurm River to continue the assault but were unable to secure a footing on the far shore due to heavy enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire directed on the area. Armed with an automatic rifle, Private First Class Secor moved forward. Although he received a penetrating wound in his chest, he unhesitatingly entered the rifer, waded across, and pinned down the enemy with fire from his weapon until the construction of the bridge was completed. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Secor, 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.