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 Sergeant Robert E. L. Kennedy (ASN: ER-34278702), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 24 February 1951 in the vicinity of Soun-ni, Korea. Company C had launched an attack against strongly fortified enemy positions on Hill 715. The assault of the lead platoon was spearheaded by Sergeant Kennedy who, acting as point, led four charges into the withering hostile fire. Each time the charge was driven back by the devastating volume of enemy fire which met the attacking force. The platoon, encouraged and inspired by Sergeant Kennedy’s utter fearlessness, formed for another attack, determined to reach the objective. A fifth time the platoon, following Sergeant Kennedy who fought his way to the crest of the hill, charged into the enemy field of fire and succeeded in overrunning and routing the hostile force. While leading his platoon in the final charge, Sergeant Kennedy was struck by enemy fire and fell mortally wounded. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Kennedy reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.