The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Kenneth E. McManamy (ASN: 0-1321225), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea in on 15 March 1951, in the vicinity of Yulsil-li, Korea. The 2d Battalion, advancing upon the enemy, was suddenly halted by heavy machine gun and rifle fire from enemy troops located on high ground. Lieutenant McManamy gallantly led his platoon across treacherous mountain terrain in an assault aimed at detracting the hostile fire from the main body of the friendly forces. With the enemy thus concentrating his fire on the attacking platoon, all key noncommissioned officers of the platoon fell casualties in the initial phase of the assault. Seeing his men in disorder and confusion due to their heavy casualties, Lieutenant McManamy boldly exposed himself in order to rally his men and, shouting the command to fix bayonets, led his platoon in a charge with bayonets and hand grenades. This fierce attack and the resulting hand-to-hand combat utterly demoralized the enemy and routed him with heavy losses, thus permitting the continued advance of the friendly forces. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant McManamy on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Kenneth E. McManamy (ASN: 0-1321225), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Sasil-chi, Korea, on 17 May 1951. On that date, Company E had just established a perimeter defense on Hill 710 when they were attacked by a numerically superior and fanatically determined hostile force. Under the intense enemy small-arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire, the friendly lines began to waver and at one point, the enemy succeeded in breaking through the perimeter. Immediately, Lieutenant McManamy gathered a group of men and led them in a fierce assault against the hostile troops which regained the lost ground. Despite the necessity of almost continuous hand-to-hand combat, Lieutenant McManamy, by his personal example of courage and unyielding determination, succeeded in holding his men together so that they successfully defended their position. The gallantry and inspiring leadership displayed by Lieutenant McManamy throughout this action reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Kenneth E. McManamy (ASN: 0-1321225), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 7 January 1951 in Kamaji, Korea. At 0700 hours of that date, the command post of his company was being infiltrated concurrently from three sides by an overwhelming number of enemy troops and intense hostile mortar, automatic weapons and grenade fire was falling into the company perimeter. Completely ignoring the withering fire sweeping the terrain, Lieutenant McManamy moved to positions where his supervision and calm assurance were most needed. Realizing the critical situation, he helped reorganize the troops after the enemy had overrun their positions and then led a counterattack to restore the original lines. During the counterattack he was suddenly confronted with a number of enemy troops armed with automatic weapons. Through fully award of the overwhelming odds against him, he daringly rushed the enemy with fixed bayonet. This sudden and bold action so startled the enemy as to cause them to reveal their well concealed positions and enabled Lieutenant McManamy and his men to put the enemy to rout. His cool and inspired leadership instilled confidence in his men, most of whom were untried replacements, and wads largely responsible for the success of the counterattack and the defeat of the enemy. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant McManamy reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.