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 Albert J. Kent (ASN: 35068909), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Anti-Tank Company, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 9 January 1945 near Hatten, France. Corporal Kent was serving as gunner of a 57 mm anti-tank gun when a large number of enemy tanks approached. Unable to fire effectively from the gun’s prepared position, Corporal Kent and other members of the squad moved their gun into the open and fired on the enemy from three successive positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Kent remained at his post in the face of intense artillery fire and performed his duties as gunner so effectively that three enemy Mark IV tanks were destroyed, and heavy casualties were inflicted upon fleeing tank crews.