The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Pasquale Paolino (MCSN: 271412), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company C, First Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 September 1950. With his unit assigned the hazardous task of leading a company of tanks through a heavily mined area and subjected to an assault by approximately 250 enemy soldiers, Technical Sergeant Paolino immediately assumed command of the platoon when his leader was severely wounded and skillfully deployed his men to meet the attack, directing their fire and shouting words of encouragement. Running from one tank to another and using the infantry phones, he brought effective tank fire to bear on strategic hostile targets and, as the action continued, led a squad of men in clearing numerous enemy-held houses, killing several of the enemy and routing the remainder. By his marked courage, brilliant leadership and unswerving devotion to duty, Technical Sergeant Paolino contributed materially to the success of his company’s assigned mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.