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 First Lieutenant Kenneth Alan Hardigan (AFSN: AO-1911416), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations as a Pilot of an F-84 Thunderjet Fighter-Bomber of the 9th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action on 31 July 1952. Leading a flight of four F-84 type aircraft, Lieutenant Hardigan flew on an armed reconnaissance mission along a main supply route in the Songnae-ri, Korea, area. Having detected activity at one point along the main supply route, but reluctant to jeopardize his entire flight, Lieutenant Hardigan elected to make a lone strafing pass. During his attack, intense and accurate ground fire scored a hit on the right wing of Lieutenant Hardigan’s aircraft. With the control of his aircraft in a critical state, Lieutenant Hardigan courageously led his flight in a devastating attack in an effort to insure the destruction of the target. His competent leadership and flying ability resulted in five hits on the target. Through his outstanding devotion to duty and gallantry in the face of the enemy, Lieutenant Hardigan reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.