The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Paul R. Johnson (ASN: 33501025), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 101st Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Wiedersbach, Germany, on 10 April 1945. During operations near Wiedersbach, the second platoon of Company E, 101st Infantry Regiment, came under the intense fire of an enemy machine gun and was temporarily halted in its advance. Directing his men to hold their ground and cover his advance, Staff Sergeant Johnson, a Company squad leader, made his way around the enemy positions and, reaching a point some twenty-five yards to the rear around the enemy position and, reaching a point some twenty-five yards to the rear of the automatic weapon, tossed a hand grenade accurately into the gun emplacement, killing or wounding three of the foe. As the fourth member of the enemy gun crew ignored his command to halt and began to flee, Staff Sergeant Johnson opened up with rifle fire and killed him. His unusual courage under fire and aggressiveness in actions against the enemy reflect the highest credit upon Staff Sergeant Johnson and the Armed Forces of the United States.