The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Paul D. Nunan (ASN: 12071658), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on 19 September 1944 at ****, Holland. During the attack of the 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, on ****, Holland, Staff Sergeant Nunan, a squad leader of Company D, with one officer and nine other enlisted men were advancing toward the railroad bridge across the Waal River. The group came under enemy fire in a small park two hundred yards southwest of the bridge. They engaged the enemy to the front. During the fight one platoon of Germans attacked from the rear of their positions with two 20-mm. flak guns. Staff Sergeant Nunan fired on the left flank gun, tossed one incendiary and one Gammon Grenade, knocked it out of action and killed and wounded several Germans. Staff Sergeant Nunan was slightly wounded in this action but remained with his patrol until reinforcements arrived. The above action took place at dusk and contact with the enemy was very close. As a direct result of Staff Sergeant Nunan’s action the enemy counter-attack was repulsed, the park was held and the success of the battalion mission assured. 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 and the United States Army.