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 Master Sergeant Kenneth Butcher (ASN: RA-15274678), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 30 August 1952 in the vicinity of Sang-po-bang, North Korea. On that date, Sergeant Butcher was leading a combat patrol toward the enemy-held positions on Hill 190 with the mission of contacting the enemy. Sergeant Butcher, advancing up the hill at the head of his men, sensed impending danger and halted his men while he went forward alone to investigate the situation. Approximately 10 yards from the hostile positions, he saw a figure crouched in a trench. Without thought of personal safety, he advanced on the enemy, delivering streams of harrowing fire into their bunkers. His courageous assault was answered by an overwhelming hail of enemy fire, but he continued forward, forcing the enemy to concentrate their fire upon him until he fell mortally wounded. His heroic actions enabled his comrades to deliver devastating fire upon the enemy and withdraw safely, keeping casualties to a minimum. The exceptional gallantry and heroic self-sacrifice of Sergeant Butcher reflects great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.