The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospital Apprentice First Class Kenneth Lee Blewett, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Corpsman with an Assault Company of the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group. On 12 October 1944, the platoon to which Hospital Apprentice First Class Blewett was attached, was defending Hill 140. In the early morning, during the hours of darkness, the enemy succeeded in crawling up to the defense line and inflicting light casualties on his platoon with hand grenades. Although mortally wounded and physically unable to render aid himself, Hospital Apprentice First Class Blewett instructed his comrades in the application of first aid to other wounded. His performance of duty heretofore during the campaign was outstanding. His heroism and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.