The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth Earl Wade (ASN: US-67120806), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Fourth Class Wade distinguished himself by heroic actions on 23 February 1969, while serving with the 25th Military Police Company, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. When the Dau Tieng Base Camp came under an intense attack from a large enemy force, Specialist Wade immediately drove his .50 caliber gun jeep to the endangered perimeter to aid in the defense. Arriving at the area of contact, Specialist Wade maneuvered his vehicle alongside three armored personnel carriers that had been hit by rocket propelled grenades, and placed effective suppressive fire on the insurgents, enabling the crewmembers of the damaged vehicles to safely withdraw. Although the enemy were near enough to throw hand grenades toward his position, Specialist Wade, with complete disregard for his own safety, fearlessly braved the holocaust of exploding projectiles as he continued his relentless fire on the aggressors, until he was fatally wounded when a rocket propelled grenade struck his jeep. His valorous actions were responsible for saving several lives and the successful defense of the Dau Tieng Base Camp. Specialist Wade’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.