The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Paul U. Brinker (ASN: 35577904), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 24 September 1944 in France, when his machine gun position was attacked by an unknown number of the enemy. Although his position was isolated from the remainder of his unit he repulsed numerous enemy counterattacks and under heavy enemy small arms fire moved his machine gun single-handedly to a more advantageous position. He continued to protect the right flank of his company until killed by enemy machine gun fire. His superb bravery and zealous devotion to duty were commensurate with the highest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.