The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Kenneth William Durant (NSN: 2661147), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to the FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy forces during an offensive in the Matanikau River area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 3 November 1942. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Durant worked his way forward with the assault elements despite tremendous hostile fire. After he had administered aid to numerous injured personnel, he halted at the command post in utter exhaustion until a Marine, fatally wounded about 15 yards to the front, called for a corpsman. Unhesitatingly, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Durant rushed forward in the face of machine-gun and sniper fire and was killed before reaching the stricken man. His gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.