The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Paul Conley Stike (ASN: 33100457), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 160th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Okinawa Shima, Nansei Shoto, on 30 April 1945. Sergeant Stike commanded a heavy machine gun squad in support of a rifle platoon. During a movement forward, an enemy heavy machine gun opened fire on the advancing troops. Sergeant Stike emplaced his machine gun to bring fire on the enemy gun. As his gun opened fire, it was immediately brought under the fire of an enemy light mortar. Seizing an automatic rifle, Sergeant Stike moved forward a hundred yards and outflanked the enemy mortar, killing the mortar crew. This courageous action on the part of Sergeant Stike enabled the rifle platoon to advance rapidly with light casualties. Sergeant Stike’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.