The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Paul E. Hixenbaugh, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 303d Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division, in action on 9 April 1945, in Germany. In an assault crossing of the Sieg River, heavy enemy fire of all types disrupted the work of the boat crews and a number of boats were abandoned. Private Hixenbaugh, after crossing the river with an element of his company, voluntarily took charge of a boat and under the continuing hostile fires returned to the near bank and began ferrying assault troops across the river. On one occasion he transported the wounded to the friendly side of the river. With great determination and in the face of fire from an enemy machine gun only 200 yards away he continued to operate his boat until the remainder of his company was across. This courageous accomplishment contributed in a large measure to the success of the company’s attack that day. Private Hixenbaugh’s gallantry on this occasion reflects high credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.