Paul Waples Stanley

Captain, U. S. Army

Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 16 (1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Paul W. Stanley, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 April 1944 near Carano, Italy.
At 0500 hours on 25 April 1944, Captain Stanley led his company in an annihilating attack on the enemy near Carano, Italy, known as the 'Mr. GREEN' operation. Under orders to overwhelm a German company, reinforced by numerous machine guns and supported by tank and artillery fire, take prisoners and then with draw, Captain Stanley led his men forward through heavy fire in a three hundred yard advance. When the assault was retarded by intense, grazing machine gun fire, Captain Stanley ran and crawled 75 yards to the nearest tank and directed the destruction of the machine gun nest.
With shells bursting around him, he moved fearlessly along his 250 yard front, encouraging the men and pressing the attack forward. Knocked off his feet by a close shell burst, he picked himself up, ran to his radio operator and, still under artillery fire, directed the destruction of an enemy tank. This accomplished, he led the assault which overwhelmed the German line, captured nine prisoners, and ordered his force to withdraw. One of his platoons became disorganized under artillery and mortar concentrations and ran into a minefield.
Oblivious of personal danger, Captain Stanley dashed one hundred yards through shell fire to the platoon and directed his men to a prepared gap through the mines and barbed wire. As the withdrawal proceeded, Captain Stanley was knocked unconscious by concussion from a shell burst. When he regained consciousness, he searched the impact area for other casualties and, though injured in his side, proceeded 350 yards through harassing artillery fire to rejoin his men and led them in completing the withdrawal. His heroism and determination made the "Mr. GREEN" operation one of the brilliant, tactical successes of the Anzio Beachhead campaign.
Captain Stanley's outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders (1945)
CITATION: Unavailable
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Paul W. Stanley, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 February 1944, near Carano/province of Latina, Lazio region, Italy.