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 Staff Sergeant Kenneth W. Sutton (ASN: 39558081), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company L, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 November 1944, in France. The 3d Platoon, assigned the mission of seizing a strategically important hill, was subjected to machine gun and rifle fire as it approached its objective. Although fully aware of the dangerous involved, Sergeant Sutton volunteered to direct his squad in forming a base of fire while the other two squads maneuvered to the enemy’s flank. In order to reach an advantageous position from which he could deliver effective fire on the hostile force, he crossed 100 yards of flat, barren terrain under direct enemy observation. Although he was the target for heavy small arms fire, he pressed dauntlessly forward to an exposed position and, operating his automatic rifle, directed rapid bursts of fire into the midst of the hostile emplacement. He killed one of the crew members and wounded the other. As the two flanking squads approached the top of the hill, he valiantly led his men forward in an assault against the enemy position and personally captured the wounded soldier. His courage and aggressiveness enabled his platoon to complete its important mission. Sergeant Sutton was reported missing in action during a subsequent engagement. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.