Posted: 14 July 2010 at 7:50pm | IP Logged

• Paul Harold Cline

• Date of birth: 6-Jul-47
• Date of death: Killed in Action
• Home of record: West Palm Beach, FL
  

Awards and Citations

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Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Paul Harold Cline (ASN: 53578992), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Sergeant Cline distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while leading a rifle squad against hostile forces near Phan Thiet, Republic of Vietnam, on 6 February 1968. Sergeant Cline was serving as a rifle squad leader in an infantry rifle platoon during a search-and-destroy operation. Late in the afternoon, his entire company became pinned down by intensive enemy automatic weapons, rocket, machinegun, and mortar fire. Sergeant Cline was immediately wounded in both legs and fell in the open, completely exposed to hostile fire. Another sergeant moved out to help him but, upon reaching Sergeant Cline, was also cut down by automatic weapons fire as the enemy concentrated their fire on the two paratroopers. Realizing that both of them would probably be killed, Sergeant Cline, with an act of indomitable courage, dragged himself on top of his wounded comrade in order to shield him from the hail of enemy bullets. He was then struck several times and killed by the fusillade, but his complete disregard for his own personal safety resulted in his comrade surviving and being able to crawl back to friendly elements. Sergeant Cline's conspicuous gallantry was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 33 (May 23, 1969)

Action Date: 6-Feb-68

Service: Army

Rank: Sergeant

Company: Company C

Battalion: 3d Battalion (Airborne)

Regiment: 506th Infantry Regiment

Division: 101st Airborne Division