The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Paul Weber (MCSN: 0-38527), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 26 February 1945. When his company was prevented from setting up a night defense in favorable terrain because of withering fire from an enemy block house, Second Lieutenant Weber called for 60 millimeter mortar fire on the block house and, standing on a commanding ridge, entirely without cover, courageously braved enemy fire to observe and to direct accurate mortar fire on the objective. Although severely wounded during this action, he continued to call for mortar support until the enemy had ceased firing and the riflemen had moved into position. His efficient performance of duty and cool courage served as an inspiration to his company and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.