Kroesen, Paul B.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Paul B. Kroesen (MCSN: 250944), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yudam-ni, Korea, early on the morning of 2 December 1950. With his company deployed in hasty defenses on a snow-covered, mountainous ridge when two enemy companies attacked, threatening the unit's left flank, Technical Sergeant Kroesen, on his own initiative, personally positioned each man of an attached artillery provisional squad, working courageously in the face of heavy small arms fire. When his company was in danger of being overrun during one of the most intense periods of the assault, he stood up and skillfully threw several hand grenades which exploded among different groups of the enemy, causing approximately five deaths and wounding approximately ten. His bold initiative, coolness under fire and indomitable fighting spirit were contributing factors in disorganizing the hostile forces and repelling the assault, thereby reflecting great credit upon Technical Sergeant Kroesen and the United States Naval Service. Born: Fort Worth, Texas. Home Town: Tyler, Texas.

Paul Kroesen (1915)