The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Kenneth W. Hodgdon (ASN: 0-1165511), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 314th Artillery Battalion, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 14 March 1945 in Germany. While serving as battery commander near Oberzerf, Germany, Captain Hodgdon volunteered to take one gun section forward to make registration for the battalion although the area was under intense enemy fire, his action making it possible for other firing batteries to take up positions enabling them to render effective fire on the enemy. Captain Hodgdon’s heroic action and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.