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 Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Kenneth Issac Gleason (ASN: 42113811), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 January 1945, in Belgium. When an enemy tank began to move toward their company, which had not had an opportunity to prepare defensive positions, Staff Sergeant Gleason and a comrade moved to within thirty or forty yards of the tank and began to fire rifle grenades and bazooka rockets at it. Although the tank returned this fire with its machine gun, Staff Sergeant Gleason and his comrade continued to fire at the tank until the crew surrendered. All the enemy soldiers were wounded. The heroic actions of Staff Sergeant Gleason and his comrade saved their company from heavy casualties. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.



