The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Signal Corps) Richard Bolles Paddock, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in France, on the night of 1 May 1918. Major Paddock, his men being worn out with hard work, himself alone and in disregard of danger, went out to repair the telephone lines between his Division and his Corps Headquarters, under heavy hostile bombardment and was wounded while on this duty. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Paddock, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.