The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Kenneth C. Thayer (ASN: 32947767), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 119th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 10 October 1944. When a U.S. tank was inadvertently bombed by a friendly plane, it burst into flames. Private First Class Thayer, who was nearby, ran thirty-five yards to the blazing tank, and despite fire from four enemy tanks and the exploding ammunition in the burning tank, climbed upon its turret. Reaching down through the smoke and flames, he grasped one of the wounded and critically burned men, lifted him from the tank and carried him to safety where he was given first aid. Private First Class Thayer then returned to the blazing tank but was forced to withdraw due to the fierce flames. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.