The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Kenneth W. Bilby (ASN: 0-40011), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Near Zweibrucken, Germany, the morning of 19 March 1945, Major Bilby, Battalion Executive Officer, voluntarily accompanied assault units in the attack against the Siegfried Line. With his carbine he silenced a German operating a machine pistol from a pillbox fortification after a fierce duel at 50 yards range. Later, Major Bilby returned 600 yards to the rear across an open field which was blanketed by enemy artillery and small arms fire to bring up the ammunition and Pioneer Platoon with needed ammunition. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.