The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Custer B. Kilpatrick, Jr. (ASN: 34678601), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 1 April 1945 near Vockenrot, Germany. When his platoon was ambushed, Private Kilpatrick was wounded by a German hand grenade that struck his jeep. Attempting nevertheless to evacuate the radio operator, who had been seriously wounded, he found that the return route had been cut by the enemy. Skirting hostile positions and occupied foxholes, while the Germans concentrated heavy fire upon him, Private Kilpatrick brought his vehicle through the enemy lines. His courage and disregard for his own safety saved a fellow soldier from possible death or capture.