The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Kenneth West, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action during operations against the enemy in Lingayen Gulf, Philippine Islands, on 6 January 1945. Commander West, as Gunnery Officer, efficiently trained the anti-aircraft batteries of his ship, the U.S.S. PORTLAND (CA-33) so that when considerable numbers of enemy aircraft, including suicide planes, attacked the formation of which his ship was a unit, they were either shot down or deterred from pressing their attack upon his ship. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.