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 Private First Class Kenneth E. Dryden (ASN: ER-55002063), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 January 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. On that date the mission of his company was to defend a vital road junction leading into Wonju. A numerically superior enemy force had surrounded the road junction and was subjecting Private Dryden’s defensive position to heavy small arms fire from three sides. Although seriously wounded in this action he continued to place effective fire upon the enemy until he died as a result of his wound. His courage and gallant sacrifice so inspired his comrades that they eventually repelled the enemy with heavy losses. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Private Dryden reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.