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 Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Paul Williams Thompson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding officer of the 6th Engineer Special Brigade (Provisional) (Separate), FIRST U.S. Army, in action against enemy forces at Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. The attack on the vital beach exit was being held up by heavy enemy machine gun fire. Upon discovering the situation and ascertaining that the assault units were pinned to the beach and were not pressing the attack, Colonel Thompson called for volunteers to assist in wiping out the machine guns. Several infantrymen volunteered and, with complete disregard for his own safety, Colonel Thompson, while under heavy enemy fire, blew a gap in the wire entanglements. He then fearlessly led his party through the gap and was rushing to assault the enemy machine guns when he was seriously wounded by enemy fire from another emplacement. His heroic leadership, 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.