The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Paul Ziegele, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 163d Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 15 January 1943, during the Papuan Campaign, near Sanananda, New Guinea. When his company attacked an enemy position, Staff Sergeant Ziegele and another soldier, on the extreme flank of the attack were confronted by a strong enemy pill-box containing a 50-caliber machine gun. Directing his companion to a position from which he could fire into the aperture of the pill-box, Staff Sergeant Ziegele moved alone to outflank the position. Reaching the vicinity of the pill-box without drawing enemy fire, he fired through the slot at four enemy soldiers inside, killing one with the last shell in his rifle. Lacking time to reload, he gripped the barrel of the enemy machine gun and attempted to pull it through the aperture, in spite of enemy fire. When this failed he took cover against the side of the pill-box, reloaded and killed two more of the enemy as they emerged, holding his place along until fire from other localities forced him to withdraw to rejoin his unit. Staff Sergeant Ziegele’s daring acts were an inspiration to men of his company. His inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 41st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.