The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Paul P. Sartwell (MCSN: 0-42647), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander in Company D, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 September 1950. Although severely wounded in both legs and unable to walk after his company was subjected to a fierce attack by a numerically superior and well-concealed enemy force, First Lieutenant Sartwell repeatedly exposed himself to heavy machine gun and small arms fire to direct his platoon in delivering effective fire on the hostile strong points. Greatly weakened by profuse bleeding and suffering intense pain, he refused to be evacuated and bravely remained at the scene of action, shouting words of encouragement to his men and skillfully coordinating their fire. Unmindful of his serious injuries when he was later ordered to be evacuated, he constantly inquired about the safety of his platoon and care of the wounded before he finally became unconscious due to loss of blood and exposure. By his sustained and accurate direction of fire, First Lieutenant Sartwell served to inspire all who observed him and contributed directly to the reduction of several enemy key positions, thereby making a vital contribution to the successful completion of his company’s mission. His superb courage, relentless perseverance and outstanding devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.