The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Bruce T. Kennedy (MCSN: 2430740), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 August 1968, Company L was occupying a night defensive position north of the Rockpile in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of North Vietnamese Army mortar fire. After the firing ceased, Private First Class Kennedy, who was manning a listening post in front of the company’s perimeter, alertly observed numerous hostile soldiers approaching his position and immediately opened fire, slowing the enemy’s advance and alerting the rest of the company. Directed to withdraw to his command’s position, he was seriously wounded as he was running back to the friendly lines. Once inside the defensive perimeter, he steadfastly refused medical assistance and, ignoring his extremely painful injuries, commenced delivering accurate rifle fire upon the advancing enemy soldiers, providing effective covering fire which enabled his comrades to safely return from the listening post. Resolutely continuing his determined efforts, he remained in his dangerously exposed position until he was mortally wounded. By his courage, resolute determination and unfaltering devotion to duty, Private First Class Kennedy was instrumental in saving the lives of his companions and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.