The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Kenneth J. Matheson (MCSN: 296649), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Platoon Sergeant serving with the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu Island, Palau Group, on 27 September 1944. Advancing north along the beach in the face of fierce fire from caves in a heavily fortified hill, Sergeant Matheson and his platoon were pinned down when the tanks and amphibious flame thrower covering their approach ran out of ammunition. Alert to the threat of complete disorganization as casualties rapidly increased under the renewed fury of the Japanese attack, he fearlessly exposed himself to the enemy’s fire in order to help the platoon leader reorganize his men, to supervise the evacuation of the wounded and to direct counterfire. Mortally wounded while carrying out this voluntary and perilous task, Sergeant Matheson, by his inspiring leadership and valiant fighting spirit, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.