The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Richard P. Kenney (ASN: RA-13074192), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 16 to 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Mungbon-ni, South Korea. The platoon of which Sergeant Kennedy was a member was in a holding position when it was attacked by an estimated enemy battalion. Realizing the danger of dismounting from his tank, Sergeant Kenney completely disregarded his own personal safety and exposed himself to heavy fire to re-supply infantry machine guns with ammunition from his tank. During the night Sergeant Kenney dismounted from his tank under heavy small arms, automatic and mortar fire to administer aid to the wounded and place them under cover. On 17 May 1951 Sergeant Kenney organized Republic of Korea soldiers and led them into position while under small arms and automatic fire to better secure his platoon from tank-killer teams. On 18 May 1951, the enemy formed a road block and knocked out the platoon leader’s tank. Sergeant Kenney took command of the platoon. He charged one group of 50 enemy with his tank, firing his .50 caliber machine gun, and destroyed them. His assuming command of the platoon was a contributing factor in the successful withdrawal of the infantry. The courageous and gallant actions of Sergeant Kenney reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.