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 J. Knopp (ASN: 36957206), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 26 November 1944. While Private Knopp was engaged in cleaning a truck, the enemy placed heavy artillery fire in the area, which wounded an enlisted man nearby. Private Knopp carried the wounded man to a covered position. There he heard the cries of another wounded man in a slit trench about one hundred yards away. Again disregarding his personal safety, Private Knopp made his way forward, despite the fact that shells were still falling in the immediate area. He found the wounded soldier unconscious and lying face down in a slit trench partially filled with water, pulled him out of the trench and administered first aid. While so engaged, he was wounded by shell fragments. However, he assisted in removing the wounded soldier to the aid station before receiving treatment for his own wounds. His courage, initiative and loyalty to wounded comrades are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.