The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to First Lieutenant John W. Paul, United States Army, for valorous actions, selfless bravery, and courage under fire while serving as a Physician Assistant with the 223d Engineer Battalion in Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. First Lieutenant Paul distinguished himself by placing himself in grave danger in order to come to the aid of a wounded soldier on 7 May 2003. While rushing through a hail of rocket fire and exploding ordnance, First Lieutenant Paul narrowly missed being hit several times, but continued forward without hesitation or thoughts of his own safety. With no way to suppress the incoming fire, he pressed on through multiple explosions until he was able to reach and evacuate the wounded soldier. First Lieutenant Paul’s actions reflect great credit upon himself, the V Army Corps, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.