The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Paul J. Weir (MCSN: 379686), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the THIRD Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Empress Augusta Bay Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands on December 17, 1943. Subjected to devastating hostile machine gun and rifle fire while advancing with his platoon in a frontal attack against strong hostile entrenchments, Sergeant Weir was forced to withdraw in the face of the withering fire during the initial assault leaving a wounded comrade behind. Gallantly risking his life to effect a rescue, he courageously pressed forward under fire from two Japanese light machine guns and, with the assistance of a Marine officer, carried the injured man back to his own lines. Sergeant Weir’s splendid initiative, daring aggressiveness and great personal valor in the face of grave peril reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.