Paul Pooley

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 763 (February 8, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Paul Pooley (MCSN: 268474), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as squad leader serving with the Second Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Marianas Islands on the night of 31 July and 1 August 1944.
When the enemy, having infiltrated through the right flank of the main line of defense, attempting a surprise attack on his quad which was holding a secondary line of defense, Corporal Pooley valiantly organized and directed the fire of his unit in the face of a heavy Japanese machine gun attack and succeeded in halting the hostile forces before they could penetrate his lines.
By his cool determination and courageous leadership during a critical phase of the action, Corporal Pooley inspired his men to heroic effort and contributed essentially to the ultimate conquest of the island. His aggressive initiative and zealous devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.