The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Kenneth H. Carpenter (ASN: 33732622), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 23 December 1944 near Kilstett, France. When our positions around Kilstett, France, were being attacked, Sergeant Carpenter, under heavy enemy fire, personally directed mortar fire, from an exposed position, upon advancing enemy troops. This fire killed many and disorganized the enemy. Shifting his fire, Sergeant Carpenter destroyed two enemy machine guns. When his position was threatened, he personally killed three of the enemy with rifle fire. He then withdrew to another position and directed mortar fire on more of the advancing enemy. This group was totally destroyed. Sergeant Carpenter’s courage and outstanding skill contributed greatly to the failure of the enemy attack.