The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Paul D. Strohkirch (MCSN: 0-14863), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the FIRST Marine Division in combat against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, December 26, 1943. When the right assault company was pinned down by heavy machine-gun fire from enemy pillboxes along the coast road, Second Lieutenant Strohkirch daringly moved toward the front with a section of two armored tractors, deploying his vehicles and directing their advance as he walked between them. After the Japanese had disabled one of his tractors, he climbed to the top of the other, fearlessly exposing himself to hostile fire as he pointed out enemy positions to his own gunners and to the infantry troops nearby. His great personal valor in the face of grave danger and his indomitable fighting spirit were an inspiration to his comrades and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.