Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Sergeant Kenneth Lamar Gaines (ASN: 34826664), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 9 and 10 April 1945. Sergeant Gaines voluntarily conducted his own reconnaissance, then captured an enemy strong point, and finally assaulted and captured a road block, killing and capturing 14 enemies. 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 35th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    320th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 9 & 10, 1945

    Headquarters, NINTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 221 (June 12, 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 Sergeant Kenneth Lamar Gaines (ASN: 34826664), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 9 and 10 April 1945. Sergeant Gaines voluntarily led a night reconnaissance patrol behind enemy lines and secured valuable information. During an attack the following morning, Sergeant Gaines led his squad in an assault against an enemy emplacement which so disrupted the enemy that the four occupants surrendered without resistance. Later, on his own initiative, Sergeant Gaines moved his squad around a road block and led a running assault on an enemy-held building from the rear, killing two and capturing twelve of the enemy. Sergeant Gaines 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 35th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    320th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 8, 1945

    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 23 (March 30, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Kenneth Lamar Gaines (ASN: 34826664), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 8 March 1945. When members of his platoon laying in an open field were prevented from advancing by enemy machine gun fire, Sergeant Gaines, an assistant squad leader, ran to a ditch, crawled to within fifteen yards of the enemy emplacement, threw a hand grenade, then charged the position, firing his sub-machine gun as he moved forward. He killed the enemy machine gunner and wounded other members of the crew. Sergeant Gaines’ intrepid action made it possible for his unit to continue its advance and capture the village of ****. 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.