The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Kenneth Leroy Ingebretson (ASN: 17043641), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 10 February, 1945. When Sergeant Ingebretson’s unit attacked an enemy-held building, it encountered a hostile strong point cleverly concealed in a large tunnel running the length of the building. Sergeant Ingebretson and three men dashed across fifty yards of open terrain to gain a position near the tunnel’s mouth, but enemy fire killed one man and the group was forced to retire. Shortly thereafter the remaining men repeated the attempt. This time Sergeant Ingebretson courageously dashed across the tunnel’s mouth, under direct observation of the enemy, and secured a point of vantage from which he directed effective fire at the Japanese. Then, as he exposed himself to throw a hand grenade in an attempt to enter the hostile position, Sergeant Ingebretson was instantly killed by enemy fire. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.