The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Kenneth A. Conover, III, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Platoon Commander, 1st Platoon, Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, Regimental Combat Team 6, FIRST Marine Division (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), from 22 June 2012 to 27 June 2012 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Immediately after leading his Platoon in a night air assault into the enemy stronghold of Qaleh-ye Gaz, First Lieutenant Conover’s unit was quickly surrounded. Nearly non-stop for the continuous six-day operation, First Lieutenant Conover’s Platoon was attacked by multiple waves of enemy fighters. Within the first two days, he led his Platoon through the devastating adversity of the loss of two of his Marines, the serious wounding of another, and the evacuation under fire of all three. On 26 June, he identified a machine gun firing position and fired his AT-4 rocket, destroying the enemy position. Under direct fire or observation from the enemy, he led his men through 40 significant events to include 23 direct fire engagements, one grenade attack, two indirect fire attacks, and 10 enemy attempts to overrun his position. In relentless pursuit of the dozens of enemy who attacked his Platoon, he directed the employment of 38 tank main gun rounds, four artillery rocket strikes, four close air support strikes, five AT-4 rockets, and two anti-personnel obstacle breaching systems. His efforts resulted in more than 12 enemy destroyed, five enemy wounded in action, three detainments, and one enemy vehicle destroyed. By his bold initiative, undaunted judgment, and complete dedication to duty, First Lieutenant Conover reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.