The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Kenneth W. Barnhard (MCSN: 499194), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 20 June 1944. Exercising prompt initiative when explosions and resultant fires occurred in an ammunition dump, Private First Class Barnhard unhesitatingly risked his life to enter the danger area where large quantities of explosives, artillery and mortar ammunition were stored and, fighting the flames with determined energy, worked desperately in a valiant attempt to isolate the fire until he was killed by a second explosion. Private First Class Barnhard’s superb fortitude, cool courage and self-sacrificing devotion to duty in the face of extreme peril upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.