The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Kenneth S. Platz (ASN: RA-19285283), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 22 September 1950 in the vicinity of Hyopchon, Korea. On that date his company, which was defending a hill position, was subjected to intense hostile fire and was overrun by numerically superior enemy forces. The company was forced to withdraw to the base of the hill. During the withdrawal the company’s 60-mm mortars were left in position and were almost certain to be captured by the enemy. Corporal Platz, with complete indifference for his personal safety, left his covered position and advanced up the hill in the face of intense enemy fire. Firing his mortars with accuracy he prevented the enemy from advancing further down the hill and allowed his company sufficient time to reorganize for a counterattack which succeeded in regaining the company’s former positions. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Platz was an inspiration to all his comrades and reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.