The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Paul W. Mex (MCSN: 558222), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Flame Thrower Operator, serving with Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 12 March 1945. Driving forward with his company in a devastating attack against a strong Japanese force heavily armed with grenades and automatic weapons and concealed in a series of two caves, Private First Class Mex unhesitatingly proceeded across the difficult terrain to the position where his squad was encountering the heaviest opposition. Continually exposing himself to the deadly rain of bullets and grenades, he courageously advanced the length of the cave entrenchments, burning out each in turn with his flame thrower and enabling his company to continue its sustained drive cross the island before he was fatally struck down by the enemy. By his daring initiative, zealous determination and valiant devotion to duty in the face of extreme peril, Private First Class Mex contributed materially to the success of the Iwo campaign and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.