The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Edward J. Kennedy (ASN: 0-2006910), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 18 April 1945, at Furth, Germany. When his platoon was assigned the mission of forcing a crossing of the Regnitz River at Furth, Lieutenant Kennedy braved the hail of enemy fire that was concentrated on the area to reconnoiter the routes of approach and plan his attack against the enemy positions on the opposite bank. Returning to his platoon, he led his men over the twisted wreckage of a blown bridge that was under hostile observation and enemy fire. Upon reaching the opposite bank, he fearlessly led an assault against the panzerfaust and automatic weapons positions of an overwhelmingly superior force and successfully established a firm bridgehead. Lieutenant Kennedy’s inspiring courage contributed directly to the capitulation of Furth and the surrender of 3,000 enemy troops.