The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Star in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Kenneth Ambrose Walsh (MCSN: 0-10449), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-124), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 23 August 1943. Skillfully and aggressively fighting his plane while on a combat air patrol over Vella Lavella, First Lieutenant Walsh succeeded in destroying two enemy aircraft. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Kenneth Ambrose Walsh (MCSN: 0-10449), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-124), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 17 to 19 August 1943. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, First Lieutenant Walsh contributed materially to the success of his squadron in the infliction of extensive damage on enemy gun emplacements, supply dumps and barges. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Kenneth Ambrose Walsh (MCSN: 0-10449), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-124), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Russell Islands Area on 13 May 1943. Boldly leading a fighter flight, Second Lieutenant Walsh intercepted a force of enemy planes and, immediately launching his attack, succeeded in shooting down two of the hostile aircraft. By his skilled airmanship, courage and loyal devotion to duty in the face of aerial opposition, he contributed materially to the success of his squadron and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Kenneth Ambrose Walsh (MCSN: 0-10449), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-124), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 3 March and 1 April 1943. During a vigorous raid against a 15-ton schooner at Vella Lavella on 3 March, Second Lieutenant Walsh boldly led two other planes in the skillful strafing and subsequent destruction of the hostile ship. Again on 1 April, he directed a striking force of fighters against an overwhelming number of enemy planes and, pressing home daring attacks, personally shot down three Japanese fighter planes. His skill as an airman and leader and his courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Kenneth Ambrose Walsh (MCSN: 0-10449), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-124), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 12 August 1943. Skillfully and aggressively fighting his plane while escorting bombers in a strike against Kahili Airdrome on Bougainville, First Lieutenant Walsh succeeded in destroying two enemy aircraft thereby aiding in the success of the strike. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Kenneth Ambrose Walsh (MCSN: 0-10449), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (VMF-122), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands Area from 28 April to 12 May 1945. Completing his sixtieth mission during this period, Captain Walsh contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.