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) Paul A. Troup (ASN: 0-388774), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Belgium on 16 December 1944. The enemy had penetrated the Regimental Sector during a counterattack and secured a nearby bridge, thereby isolating the battalion. Captain Troup posted all available men from his Headquarters Company for protection of the Regimental Command Post and then organized and personally led a patrol to determine the strength and disposition of the enemy. While on this reconnaissance, two of his men were wounded by the enemy fire and the remaining man dispatched to the rear to give the location of his patrol. Captain Troup then found himself behind a bank in front of an enemy machine gun position, with the enemy on two sides and friendly troops on the other. Every move Captain Troup made drew fire from the enemy. Even after he became wounded, Captain Troup held his precarious position and refused repeated enemy demands to surrender. Captain Troup, by his perseverance and determination in the face of the odds against him, finally captured fourteen Germans and their commander and reopened communications to his Battalion. By his gallant and courageous actions Captain Troup reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.