Paul J. O’Rourke

The President of the United States, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] Paul J. O’Rourke (ASN: RA-15269504), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy near Pungaa, North Korea, on 2 November 1950. On that date Sergeant O’Rourke and his 60-mm. mortar squad were in support of their company which was then engaged in a heavy fire fight with the enemy. As the battle progressed Sergeant O’Rourke was ordered to move his mortars to an advanced position in order to obtain a more effective field of fire. While moving forward in advance of his squad to select his mortar position, he encountered a group of the enemy who had infiltrated to the rear of his company. Sergeant O’Rourke immediately moved his squad into position and directed fire upon the enemy. After killing and wounding several of the enemy, he was successful in forcing them to withdraw. This quick action in attacking the infiltrating enemy saved his company from an attack from the rear which, had it been successful, would have been a complete surprise to his company and would have undoubtedly resulted in the death of many of his comrades. His actions on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.