Floyd M. Paxton

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Floyd M. Paxton, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 550th Airborne Infantry Regiment, in action against enemy forces on 3 – 4 January 1945 at Renuamont, Belgium. Captain Paxton directed an attack against an enemy heldtown and killed three snipers. The enemy launched a counterattack, and Captain Paxton, without antitank weapons, directed artillery fire by radio. His forces inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and enabled other units to withdraw and consolidate for a later attack. Captain Paxton’s intrepid actions, 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, his unit, and the United States Army.