The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Kenneth L. Register (MCSN: 2408690), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Mortar Man with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 17 May 1968, during Operation ALLEN BROOK, Private First Class Register’s unit was conducting a search and destroy operation near the village of Le Bac (2) in Quang Nam Province when the Marines suddenly came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force. While accompanying a squad which was assaulting an enemy held treeline, Private First Class Register observed that the heaviest volume of fire was coming from a machine gun in a fortified bunker. Ignoring the enemy fire impacting around him, he fearlessly maneuvered toward the bunker and, having expended his own hand grenades, picked up several enemy grenades which were lying on the ground. Advancing to within ten meters of the hostile position, he threw a grenade into the bunker, but an enemy soldier quickly hurled the grenade from his position before it detonated. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Register rushed forward and boldly climbed on top of the emplacement. Completely disregarding his own safety, he threw two additional grenades into the bunker and directed a heavy volume of fire into the position until the grenades exploded, killing three enemy soldiers. Continuing his determined efforts, he subsequently entered the emplacement and seized a machine gun and a large quantity of ammunition. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Register inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.