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 (Medical Corps) Victor A. Kelmenson (ASN: 0-428735), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer with the 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in France. On 26 June 1944 Captain Kelmenson personally directed and participated in the successful evacuation of American and enemy wounded form collecting points under fire to medical installations in the rear. Despite constant and heavy enemy fire he and several Medical Department enlisted men traversed the streets of Cherbourg many times in a quarter-ton truck, treating and evacuating casualties. In addition he ordered and participated in the evacuation of both litter and sitting casualties from a building while under heavy enemy artillery and small arms fire. His heroic leadership and utter disregard for his own safety reflect highest credit upon the military forces of the United States.