Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

Commanding General, HQ, 81st Infantry Division "Wildcat", U.S. Army

Awarded for:

Operation Stalemate II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Paul J. Mueller (ASN: 0-3808), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States during the attack on Angaur, Palau Islands, from 17 September 1944 to 14 October 1944. Major General Mueller, as Commanding General of the 81st Infantry Division, demonstrated outstanding leadership and professional ability in executing a landing against an island highly prized by the Japanese. Confronted initially by difficult beaches and jungle growth, General Mueller skillfully maneuvered his command with such professional ability that he was able to launch an aggressive assault and drive the island's defenders into a single pocket of resistance on the coast. After the enemy was driven back to his prepared positions, General Mueller directed a succession of assaults which steadily reduced the hostile position. In maneuvering thus, he was confronted with extremely difficult terrain consisting of low hills and ridges, sharp coral pinnacles, and caves, with no roads giving access thereto. The enemy resisted desperately and General Mueller repeatedly occupied forward positions in order to better direct his forces. Concurrently, he had the responsibility of initiating development of an air base and was handicapped by unfavorable unloading and beach conditions. He commanded his division in a cool, courageous manner and demonstrated his ability as an outstanding leader. Prior to the operation he organized the reinforced division, supervised and coordinated its training, and perfected it for combat.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

Commanding General, HQ, 81st Infantry Division "Wildcat", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1945

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the 81st Infantry Division from 1942 to 1945."


General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 75 (1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

Commanding General, HQ, 81st Infantry Division "Wildcat", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1946

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the 81st Infantry Division from 1942 to 1945."

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 91 (1946).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

Commanding General, HQ, 81st Infantry Division "Wildcat", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1946

Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Pacific, General Orders No. 248 & 257 (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

1st Battalion, 64th Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army