(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Bentley Kern, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, in action against the enemy in Tunisia, in the North Africa Theater of Operations, in 1942 and 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Kern, 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Bentley Kern, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, in action against the enemy in Tunisia, in the North Africa Theater of Operations, in 1943. In order to control more effectively his forces in an attack, Lieutenant Colonel Kern occupied an exposed forward position under heavy enemy fire. Twice his position was heavily shelled. With complete disregard for his own welfare, he directed the movement of the command post and continued to direct the attack from the exposed position. The courage, calmness, devotion to duty, and gallant leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Kern reflect the finest traditions of the armed forces and are deserving of the highest praise.