The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Paul T. Sissel (ASN: 38698619), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 86th Mountain Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 16 April 1945, near Mt. Vignola, Italy. As lead scout of an advancing infantry platoon, Sergeant Sissel moved ahead of the unit across an open field in full view of the enemy, until a hostile machine gun opened fire, pinning down the entire platoon. While the others sought cover, he immediately opened fire from his exposed positions, continuing to pour a steady hail of bullets on the enemy emplacement, in spite of deadly return fire, until the hostile gunners were forced to take cover. Then he directed other members of the platoon in maintaining the fire superiority he had to heroically won, until friendly machine guns destroyed the enemy position. His gallant action enabled the continued advance of his company with a minimum of casualties. The splendid courage and aggressiveness exhibited by Sergeant Sissel add luster to the finest traditions of the United States Army.