The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Kenneth Radnitzer (MCSN: 984833), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of the Demolitions Squad of Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 9 May 1945. Volunteering with another Marine to reduce an enemy machine gun position which had been causing heavy casualties and holding up the advance of his unit, Private Radnitzer dashed seventy-five yards to the mouth of the cave protecting the Japanese position and, despite intense machine gun fire, placed a demolition charge which resulted in the complete destruction of the enemy emplacement. Private Radnitzer contributed materially to the success of this prolonged operation and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.