The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Paul W. Gennett (ASN: 32067201), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 23 June 1944. During particularly heavy enemy machine gun, mortar and rifle fire following the jump-off by his unit from a wooded area into open terrain, his platoon was pinned down and suffered several casualties. Sergeant Gennett, in the face of heavy enemy fire, ran out into an open field and succeeded in carrying to safety a wounded member of his platoon. Two days later, Technical Sergeant Gennett was placed in command of his platoon, and for the balance of the campaign exhibited leadership of the highest order.