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 Ivan Overby (ASN: 38609120), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company B, 58th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in action in Germany on 30 March 1945. Private Overby’s platoon was held up by enemy riflemen who, from their entrenched position, controlled a large area. Upon receiving an order to dispose of this enemy, Private Overby exposed himself and opened fire with his automatic rifle. Although wounded in the arm and suffering intense pain from an activated smoke grenade attached to his person, he continued to fire until the enemy had been wiped out. Private Overby’s courage and extreme devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.