The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Paul H. White (ASN: 0-1287631), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Germany, on 20 and 21 December 1944. Captain White, Commanding Company B, 1st Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, established his troops in defensive position on the northern edge of the **** Forest. The Germans launched a counterattack from positions on a hill some 450 yards to the north. Captain White made his way to his outposts and directed automatic weapons fire upon a portion of the hill being used by the enemy as a line of departure. So skillfully did he direct the fire and movement of his troops that the Germans were forced to halt and reorganize. Captain White seized this opportunity to go to the rear in search of armored support. He located a tank and led it through the woods to the point of the enemy thrust, then coordinated the direct fire of the tank with that of his troops, causing heavy casualties among the enemy force and precipitating a withdrawal of the remaining Germans to their original position. The American position was then subjected to an enemy artillery barrage lasting over two hours, and followed by a tank-supported infantry attack. Captain White sent an officer for armored support, then moved among his men, inspiring them to their best efforts by his personal bravery. While awaiting the arrival of friendly armor, he directed artillery fire upon the advancing enemy from a position exposed to enemy observation and fire. Upon receiving notification that two friendly tanks were in positions previously designated by him, Captain White ordered a limited withdrawal. The German attackers, approximately two companies of SS troops, ventured forward into the pocket created by the organized withdrawal, and were annihilated by the combined fire of Captain White’s men and the two supporting tanks. The enemy attempted several more counterattacks the following day, but each attempt was stopped in its initial stages. Captain White’s intrepidity, outstanding leadership and extreme coolness in the face of heavy odds reflect high credit upon his character as an officer and leader of men.