Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Captain (Coast Artillery Corps) Kenneth Leroy Boggs (ASN: 0-277052), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while Commanding Battery L, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti Aircraft), in action at Corregidor, Philippine Islands from 11 April to 6 May 1942. Throughout the prolonged siege of Corregidor by the Japanese, Captain Boggs, commanding an automatic weapons battery in the 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti Aircraft), displayed outstanding bravery and determination in carrying out his mission with no thought of personal safety. Making daily trips over the entire island, he visited his battery’s many positions and gave new courage to his men. Though wounded twice and several times severely shocked by the explosion of nearby bombs, he continued to carry on his inspection trips until the termination of the fighting. By his courageous example, Captain Boggs inspired his troops to man their positions despite the most difficult conditions, and played an important part in the gallant defense of Corregidor. Captain Boggs’ gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    60th Coast Artillery Regiment (AA)

    Division:

    U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps

    Action Date:

    January 9 – May 6, 1942

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 236 (October 8, 1945)

    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 Captain (Coast Artillery Corps) Kenneth Leroy Boggs (ASN: 0-277052), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Battery L, 3d Battalion, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps (Philippine Islands) in action against enemy forces from 9 January 1942 to 6 May 1942, at Corregidor, in the Philippine Islands. Throughout the prolonged siege of Corregidor, Captain Boggs commanding an automatic weapons battery in the 60th Coast Artillery Antiaircraft Regiment, displayed outstanding bravery and determination in carrying out his mission with no thought of personal safety. Making daily trips over the entire island, he visited his battery’s many positions and gave new courage to his men. Though wounded four times and several times stunned by the explosion of nearby bombs, he continued to carry on his inspection trips until the termination of the fighting. On one occasion he discovered a dump of .50 caliber ammunition burning and promptly brought the flames under control. Although wounded by enemy artillery fire, he obtained shovels and extinguished the remaining fires of the burning dump, thereby saving quantities of vitally needed ammunition. By his courageous example, Captain Boggs inspired his troops to man heir positions despite the most difficult conditions and played an important part in the gallant defense of Corregidor. Captain Boggs’ 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 and the United States Army.