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 Kenneth D. Trude, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 28th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in France during World War II. Captain Trude, with another officer and an enlisted man, was trapped in a French farm building by the enemy who harassed their escape routes with intense small arms fire. Dashing across open terrain through enemy fire, Captain Trude ran to a wire fence and blew a hole in it with a hand grenade to open a route of escape for himself and his companions. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.