The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Kenneth W. Ritchie (ASN: 0-1824085), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 7 June 1951, near Harang-dong, Korea, Company B, 1st Battalion, engaged in attacking the enemy-held Hill 687, was pinned down by the severe fire power of the hostile positions. Lieutenant Ritchie, observing this from the forward command post immediately left the post and moved through the fire-swept area to the sector occupied by the First Platoon. Completely ignoring the danger to his own safety, he remained in an exposed position and taking command of the platoon, led it in an attack on several enemy machine gun emplacements. Although knocked to the ground several times by the concussion of bursting mortar rounds, he tenaciously carried on the eventually successful assault. The heroic determination exhibited by Lieutenant Ritchie reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.




