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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Kenneth W. Simpson (ASN: 0-5420278), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Simpson distinguished himself by heroic actions on 2 January 1968, while serving as the Executive Officer of Battery C, 2d Battalion, 77th Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action at Fire Support Base BURT in the Republic of Vietnam. When the Viet Cong launched a vicious mortar and ground attack on the fire support base, Lieutenant Simpson personally supervised counter fire in the face of an extremely intense enemy mortar attack. As the ground attack became more intense he dashed into the enemy fire to station himself at the number one gun section which was isolated from the remainder of the battery and in the direct line of the attack. Reaching the gun position Lieutenant Simpson personally reorganized and supervised the section, picking out targets and taking them under deadly direct fire. At one point in the battle Lieutenant Simpson noticed enemy troops on top of a friendly bunker exposing himself to intense automatic weapons fire in order to sight the howitzer, he directed accurate fire on the enemy and saved the lives of the men inside the bunker. Lieutenant Simpson repeatedly exposed himself to danger, moving throughout the battery area supervising ammunition re-supply and the evacuation of the wounded. Due to his valorous actions and outstanding leadership the mission was successfully completed and the enemy force defeated. Lieutenant Simpson’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.