The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Paul A. Birchen (ASN: 17153813), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Flight Engineer of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 457th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, on 14 June 1944. Just prior to reaching the target, enemy fighters made a savage attack on his aircraft, knocking out one engine, damaging a second engine and completely destroying a large number of instruments. Working without oxygen he picked up burning flares and oxygen tanks and threw them out of the plane, ripped burning wires from a junction box and beat out flames with his flak suit until he lost consciousness from lack of oxygen. After being revived, he returned to his task of fighting the flames and labored valiantly until the fire was extinguished. He then repaired some of the damage to the rudder control cable, which contributed to the success of the return to England and for the Fortress to land safely. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Birchen, 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 Air Forces.