Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technical Sergeant Paul Albert Fall (ASN: 20725543), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 2d Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Charteruse, France, on 16 September 1944. When his unit was pinned down by enemy fire near the Meurthe River during the crossing at Chartreuse, France, Sergeant Fall crawled forward alone and destroyed a German machine gun. Then, he led his men in an attack that destroyed two. Technical Sergeant Fall’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2nd Battalion

    Regiment:

    137th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 16, 1944

    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 113 (December 20, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technical Sergeant Paul Albert Fall (ASN: 20725543), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Charteruse, France, on 16 September 1944. Technical Sergeant Fall, leading his platoon in an assault crossing of the Meurthe River, skillfully deployed his troops along the bank of the river and proceeded to secure the bridgehead. Shortly after reaching the hostile shore, he crawled forward alone and destroyed an enemy machine gun which was delivering direct fire upon a squad moving along the shoreline. Despite constant enemy fire of all types, he moved among the men of his platoon, directing their movement and fire against a stubborn and well-entrenched enemy. He directed attacks which resulted in the destruction of two more enemy machine gun positions. With his rifle, he killed three German snipers who were firing at a squad advancing against the blind spot of one of the enemy emplacements. Technical Sergeant Fall’s intrepid actions and inspiring leadership enabled his company to secure a bridgehead and push on to the Battalion objective with minimum casualties. The courage which Technical Sergeant Fall repeatedly displayed, his heroic determination and his zealous devotion to duty reflect highest credit upon himself and the military forces of the United States.