The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Paul Lawrence Barton (ASN: 1081A/ASN: 0-19514), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber and Commanding Officer of the 483d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 15 April 1944, Colonel Barton led his Group of B-17 type aircraft on a mission to destroy a strategically important enemy rail center in Yugoslavia. Although a barrage of heavy, accurate, intense flak bursts over the target could be seen clearly from the beginning of the bombing run, with exceptional leadership and great coolness and judgment, Colonel Barton continued to lead his formation in straight and level flight to accomplish a successful bombing. Suffering intense pain from a severe would caused by a direct hit from a burst of enemy flak over the target, Colonel Barton, with great personal courage, refused first aid, maintained the integrity of his formation and led it in such a manner that a normal rally and let down from the target area was accomplished allowing badly damaged airplanes to hold their positions in the Group formation until out of enemy territory. By his exceptional leadership, skill and devotion to duty, together with his courage and personal example, Colonel Barton has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.