The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Paul E. Froning (ASN: 0-1308210), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Infantry Regiment, in action against the enemy on 28 October 1944, near Biffontaine, France. When his company was held up by intense rifle and automatic weapons fire from well prepared enemy positions, Lieutenant Froning mounted a friendly tank and ordering his company to follow up after the tanks directed their fire by firing the tank’s machine gun into numerous enemy positions which he had spotted during a reconnaissance made prior to the attack. He then jumped down from the tank and led his company in an assault against the enemy lines. His men, inspired by the gallant action of their company commander, swiftly closed in on the enemy positions and destroyed a vital sector in the enemy lines. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.