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 Kohn T. Whitley (ASN: 35654479), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 692d Tank Destroyer Battalion, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 11 April 1945 near Obbach, Germany. During the temporary absence of the Gun Commander on 11 April 1945, Corporal Whitley was in command of a Tank Destroyer in position at a road block near Obbach, Germany, when he observed the formation of an enemy counterattack. Moving from the covered position in the face of intense fire from two batteries of German 88 mm guns, projectiles from which landed on both sides of the Destroyer, Corporal Whitley opened fire on the advancing enemy, disorganizing the attacking force, and compelling it to retreat. Directing fire on the dug-in 88 mm guns, he effected their neutralization, killing more than ten of the members of their crews. The courageous leadership and daring initiative of Corporal Whitley were responsible for breaking up the German counterattack and inflicting numerous enemy casualties and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the armed services of the United States.