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 Captain (Medical Corps) Paul M. Gold (ASN: 0-5542620), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 28 June 1968, while serving as Squadron Surgeon with the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Troop A was conducting a mounted sweep operation through a known enemy area when it was suddenly attacked by a Communist force of unknown size. Two vehicles detonated mines and were totally disabled, every medical aidman in the troop was wounded and the troop was under an intense volume of enemy small arms, automatic weapons and anti-tank rocket fire when Captain Gold arrived on the scene. Upon reaching the area, Captain Gold, totally disregarding his own safety, leaped from his helicopter and ran across a minefield through intense hostile fire toward the two disabled vehicles. Completely ignoring shouted warnings concerning the presence of mines, he administered first aid to the wounded crewmen and then fearlessly went from one injured soldier to the next, rendering emergency medical treatment. Captain Gold’s unwavering devotion to duty, courage and disregard for his personal safety while under hostile fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.