The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant Paul S. Curran, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 9 April 1970 while serving as First Sergeant of Company H, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while the company was at Fire Support Base DEFIANCE, it was attacked by an estimated regiment of North Vietnamese Army soldiers. Sergeant Curran organized his men against the enemy concentrations and directed their fire against the enemy. During the initial moments of contact, a rocket-propelled grenade struck a barrel of oil. The fire that ensued threatened an adjacent tank which was vital to the defense of the perimeter. Despite the hail of enemy fire directed toward them, Sergeant Curran led a team who extinguished the flame. Throughout the remaining period of contact, the friendly forces continued to incur casualties. Disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Curran moved from vehicle to vehicle aiding and assisting the wounded. First Sergeant Curran’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.