The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Paul H. Mitchell, Jr. (MCSN: 2103805), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Automatic Rifleman with the Second Platoon, Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 October 1966. Painfully wounded at the onset of the assault on his company during Operation PRAIRIE, Lance Corporal Mitchell was sent to the rear for treatment. Immediately after treatment, he took his weapon and returned to action, heroically delivering effective fire on enemy positions. When he observed his squad leader attempting to evacuate a wounded comrade, he unhesitatingly moved to a more exposed position to assist him. Noting that his wounded comrade was in intense pain, Lance Corporal Mitchell, disregarding his own safety, courageously stood up in the midst of intense enemy fire and picked up the wounded Marine. He succeeded in moving the wounded Marine to the rear, but was fatally wounded himself. Lance Corporal Mitchell, by his bold initiative, heroic actions and grave concern for others, risked his life to save that of another, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.