The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Kenneth L. Thompson (MCSN: 1219325), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 October 1952. When an overwhelming enemy force attacked a friendly outpost while his platoon was establishing a defense perimeter on an important terrain feature in order to protect the outpost, Private First Class Thompson participated in the ensuing fire fight which caught the enemy in deadly cross fire between the outpost and his position. With the hostile force diverting a large number of its troops to attack the perimeter defense, he single-handedly charged the enemy in a vicious hand-to-hand battle in the trench line as the foe overran the area. When an intense hostile mortar and artillery barrage landed on the position and caused many casualties, he rushed to the aid of a stricken comrade and removed him to a covered sector. During the withdrawal of the friendly assault element, he skillfully delivered deadly fire to cover the disengagement. Although his weapon was blown from his hand, he quickly recovered another one and raced from one position to another, shouting words of encouragement to his comrades and assisting in the evacuation of the wounded. By his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Thompson served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.