The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Paul Joseph Kappmeyer (MCSN: 2013858), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company M, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, on 20 August 1966. While serving as Platoon Guide with the First Platoon, Company M, Sergeant Kappmeyer was engaged in a sweep and destroy mission in the vicinity of An Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. With a section of tanks, the first platoon was leading the company advance when suddenly they came under a vicious volume of small arms, automatic weapons and anti-tank fire from a well entrenched and concealed company of Viet Cong Insurgents. Upon receiving the enemy fire, the First Platoon deployed and on order of the Platoon Commander, fixed bayonets and assaulted the enemy positions. Sergeant Kappmeyer during the assault was in a position to the rear of the platoon commander. As the assault approached the entrenched Viet Cong, Sergeant Kappmeyer observed that his platoon commander had been hit by enemy fire. Without hesitation he advanced to his platoon leader’s side and administered first aid. Then observing another Marine being hit and lying fully exposed to the still intense enemy fire, Sergeant Kappmeyer with full knowledge of the hazards involved and with complete disregard for his own safety, moved to assist the fallen Marine. As he was pulling the fallen Marine to a position of cover he was mortally wounded by a burst of automatic small arms fire. As a result of his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor Sergeant Kappmeyer saved the life of his fellow Marine although giving his own. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of great personal risk, Sergeant Kappmeyer upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.