The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Kenneth E. McManamy (ASN: 0-1321225), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 7 January 1951 in Kamaji, Korea. At 0700 hours of that date, the command post of his company was being infiltrated concurrently from three sides by an overwhelming number of enemy troops and intense hostile mortar, automatic weapons and grenade fire was falling into the company perimeter. Completely ignoring the withering fire sweeping the terrain, Lieutenant McManamy moved to positions where his supervision and calm assurance were most needed. Realizing the critical situation, he helped reorganize the troops after the enemy had overrun their positions and then led a counterattack to restore the original lines. During the counterattack he was suddenly confronted with a number of enemy troops armed with automatic weapons. Through fully award of the overwhelming odds against him, he daringly rushed the enemy with fixed bayonet. This sudden and bold action so startled the enemy as to cause them to reveal their well concealed positions and enabled Lieutenant McManamy and his men to put the enemy to rout. His cool and inspired leadership instilled confidence in his men, most of whom were untried replacements, and wads largely responsible for the success of the counterattack and the defeat of the enemy. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant McManamy reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.



