The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Paul M. Nance (ASN: 0-538046), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 21 December 1944, at ****, Belgium. As the platoon designated to attack the town from the right, their progress was blocked by intense rifle and machine gun fire from a large house to their front. Taking one man with him, Second Lieutenant Nance, assistant platoon leader, moved forward to attack the house with grenades. Second Lieutenant Nance then rushed the house and was wounded in the leg by 20-mm. flak gun fire. Continuing, he succeeded in killing three of the enemy, wounding two more and forcing the remaining three members of the enemy group to flee. During this action, Second Lieutenant Nance was wounded twice more, in the right leg and shoulder. He returned to his companion and found him seriously wounded. Despite his own wounds, Second Lieutenant Nance carried the soldier to safety and returned to his platoon, refusing evacuation until so ordered. His heroic and courageous actions reflect great credit on the Airborne Forces.