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 A. Gillespie (ASN: 39423866), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. When enemy machine gun fire originating from 100 yards away cut down three of his comrades and checked his platoon’s advance near Urbach, Germany, the early morning of 15 March 1945, Private First Class Gillespie engaged the hostile position. After crawling 20 yards under machine gun fire and missing with one rifle grenade, he crawled 35 yards further to launch a second grenade which knocked out the enemy emplacement. His intrepid action allowed his platoon to resume the attack. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.