Paul F. Hartnagle

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant (then Staff Sergeant) Paul F. Hartnagle, 35 897 982, Infantry, Company “F”, 15th Infantry Regiment. On 2 January 1945, near Ribeauville, France, at about 0130 hours, Sergeant Hartnagle crawled and ran alone over 200 yards toward an enemy machine gun and supporting riflemen who were holding up the advance of his platoon on Hill 216. Despite their direct fire which clipped the ground around him, he reached a point fifty yards away where he boldly opened fire and forced the four-man crew and three supporting riflemen to surrender.