The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Cavalry) Kenneth C. Cornelius (ASN: 0-454347), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 30th Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 August 1944, in France. Captain Cornelius was assigned to duty as commanding officer of a reconnaissance troop engaged in action with the enemy. Assigned the mission of establishing and maintaining liaison with a friendly force, Captain Cornelius was with the advance elements of his troops as they made their way across country. During the advance, the column was fired on by troops wearing American uniforms. Believing the troops to be friendly, Captain Cornelius exposed himself to the fire repeatedly announcing that his forces were American. Finding the opposing force was unshakably hostile, this officer, personally rallied his forces for a fire fight. He continually exposed himself in order to direct the fight and maintain control, although continually under heavy hostile fire. The personal courage and gallant leadership exhibited by Captain Cornelius reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.