The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Paul M. Connelly (MCSN: 0-35784), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Intelligence Officer of the First Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 23 February 1945. Braving hostile rifle and mortar fire, First Lieutenant Connelly moved thirty-five yards ahead of the front lines in an attempt to locate an enemy field piece which was holding up the advance of a company. Wounded during the attempt and forced to go back of first aid, he refused evacuation and returning to his exposed position spotted the hostile gun position and directed friendly artillery fire on it with the result that the piece was destroyed and the company enabled to continue its advance. His cool courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.