The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Kenneth DuPont Strong (ASN: OF-111892), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Strong distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 April 1969, while serving as Executive Officer, Battery B, 1st Battalion, 11th Artillery Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, during a mission at Fire Support Base SCHROEDER. After coming un der enemy mortar attack, two members of First Lieutenant Strong’s battery were wounded. Disregarding his own safety, he moved under a barrage of incoming rounds to aid the wounded men, and then single-handedly loaded and fired the three mortars in his battery. First Lieutenant Strong’s gun crews then returned to their mortars, and under his skillful direction, silenced the enemy fire with several mortar rounds. First Lieutenant Strong’s extraordinary heroism in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.