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. Bartley (ASN: 33763772), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 23 February 1945. When an enemy company counterattacked a roadblock near Habsterdick, France, Staff Sergeant Bartley, leader of a machine gun section, rose from cover and seized a light machine gun from its mount. With complete disregard for his own safety and under very heavy small arms fire, he placed it at his hip and ran down the road toward the enemy. He held his fire until within 25 yards and then inflicted such serious casualties that the counterattack was immediately repelled. Staff Sergeant Bartley’s gallantry in action, far beyond the call of duty, reflects the finest tradition of the Armed Forces of the United States.