The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Paul William McCollum (ASN: 0-315283), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 19 July 1944, in France. When the leading elements of his battalion were pinned to the ground by intense direct fire from three dug-in tanks, machine guns and small arms, Lieutenant Colonel McCollum, spurning a suggestion to withdraw, immediately issued orders for a frontal assault upon the stubbornly held enemy hill. Assuming a position among the foremost troops, he courageously led the company across an open field subjected to devastating mortar, artillery and rifle fire. Shells falling in the proximity of this valiant officer killed his radio operator at his side and inflicted heavy losses upon the assaulting force. Although he suffered a shell fragment wound, Lieutenant Colonel McCollum unflinchingly continued forward and personally led a furious assault upon the strongly fortified positions, forcing the defenders to withdraw. The extraordinary heroism, tenacity and aggressive personal leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel McCollum exemplified the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.