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 Frank J. Kennedy, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 20 February 1944, in Italy. For four hours during an American Infantry attack, Private First Class Kennedy maintained visual communication lines over 2,000 yards of exposed terrain from regimental headquarters to the assault battalion under enemy artillery and mortar fire. With shells bursting within 10 to 25 yards of him, often forcing him to roll into water-filled holes and ditches to continue his work, he checked and repaired sections of the entire line four times during the attack. On three occasions he was forced to walk within 15 to 25 feet of a burning truck loaded with ammunition and mines which were exploding at unpredictable intervals, fragments missing him by two to three feet, as he repaired or replaced the wire. His action enabled the assault battalion to telephone for vital artillery fire and reinforcements at crucial phases in the action. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.