Jim J. Paulos’ Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to

SECOND LIEUTENANT JIM J. PAULOS
U.S. MARINE CORPS (RESERVE)

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Jim J. Paulos (0-17724), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving with Company G, Second Battalion (Reinforced), First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces near the village of Sumeru on the Japanese-held island of new Britain, on 30 December 1943. When hostile troops launched a surprise attack under cover of an early morning wind and rain squall and successfully penetrated our lines, Second Lieutenant Paulos promptly and efficiently organized a secondary line, holding the enemy forces, and then personally led a fierce, determined counterattack against he Japanese. Although wounded by shell fragments during the ensuing action, he valiantly continued directing the bitter fighting until his platoon had completely expelled the enemy from our positions. Second Lieutenant Paulos’ inspiring leadership and indomitable fighting spirit, maintained in the face of grave peril, prevented further penetration of his lines and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

Born: 14 February 1918 in Salt Lake City, Utah… Wounded on 20 May 1945… Departed: 26 May 1978… Interred: Mount Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah