The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Kenneth Archibald Keith (MCSN: 2241203), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Rifleman with Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during Operation Prairie, in Vietnam on 27 and 28 September 1966. On the afternoon of 27 September, Private First Class Keith bravely volunteered to lead a patrol up a narrow jungle trail in search of two Marines who had been missing since morning. Despite the fact that three previous members of the point had been killed by enemy bunkers that covered the trail he displayed extraordinary courage and skill as he searched the area. He located one of the men who was alive and provided accurate covering fire that enabled the remainder of his platoon to return to friendly lines with the wounded Marine. In the early morning of 28 September, he again volunteered to lead a patrol forward in search of the other missing Marine. With exceptional valor and selflessness, Private First Class Keith again led the way for his platoon over the dangerous fire swept trail. He located the body of the second missing Marine and in attempting to recover the body, he was mortally wounded by enemy gunfire. Private First Class Keith’s courageous actions, fearlessness and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of imminent danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.