The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Paul D. Stilgebouer (MCSN: 516763), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Automatic Rifleman of Company L, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 24 June 1944. Advancing up a thickly wooded slope with the scout element of a rifle platoon which was suddenly pinned down by a camouflaged enemy gun crew at extremely close range, Private First Class Stilgebouer braved the intense enemy fire and, although wounded in the action crawled forward and fired point blank into the hostile position. By his courageous action, he killed three of the enemy, destroyed the Japanese machine gun and enabled his platoon to take its objective without further casualties. His bravery, initiative and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.