The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Kenneth C. Beck (ASN: 37450115), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 10 September 1944 in France. On that date, when information on enemy installations across the Moselle River was of vital importance to the battalion commander, Staff Sergeant Beck volunteered and, alone, waded the river, remaining concealed in enemy territory for twenty-four hours in order to locate machine guns and other military installations. When Staff Sergeant Beck returned, his information was found to be immeasurably valuable to the battalion in their crossing of the Moselle River on 13 September 1944. His bravery, initiative, and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the finest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.