The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Private Kenneth J. Wicks (ASN: 42029222), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the *** Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action on 21 November 1944, in France. When an explosion occurred and trapped an American soldier in a burning building, Private Wicks, with full knowledge that the burning building contained much ammunition and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, entered the building, carried the soldier to safety and extinguished the flames from his body, thereby saving his life. Private Wicks then notified other occupants of the building making it possible for them to escape with valuable records and equipment. The courage of Private Wicks reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.