The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Harvey Kent, Jr. (ASN: 36983601), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 24 February 1945, near Wingen, France, Private Kent was wounded in the face and right hand by an enemy grenade fragment. Although unable to use his right hand, he refused medical aid and remained with the patrol, effectively firing his rifle with his left hand. When a German was encountered in a foxhole, Private Kent had another man pull the pin from a grenade and threw it with his left hand into the foxhole. His acts were responsible for several enemy casualties.