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 R. Kevin, Jr. (ASN: US-56052248), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of Company H, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 23 August 1951, in the vicinity of Pis-ri, Korea. On that date Private Kevin’s 81-mm. mortar platoon was attached to Company F which was holding positions on the rocky slopes of a strategic hill. The unit was suddenly attacked by a numerically superior hostile force, using artillery, mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire. During the heavy fighting that followed, one of the company’s machine guns jammed, and was given up as useless. Private Kevin, realizing the pressing need for more fire power in that vicinity, left his mortar position and crossed the fire-swept area to the position of advancing hostile forces inflicting numerous casualties upon them. When the weapon again failed to function, Private Kevin defended his position with an automatic rifle until the enemy force was repulsed. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Private Kevin on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.