The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Constant J. Kjems (ASN: 0-1325579), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in the *** sector during the period 14 to 21 July 1944. On 15 July during the action on Hill Number 122 in the operations against ****, Lieutenant Kjems was wounded in the face and arm by shell fragments. Disregarding his personal discomfort, he continued to lead his platoon throughout the day’s activity and that night, after receiving treatment at a battalion aid station, returned to take command of his platoon, serving in that capacity until 19 July when he assumed command of his company when his superior officers were suffering from battle fatigue. During 20 – 21 July he voluntarily and on numerous occasions made personal reconnaissance of the area along the **** River, obtaining information of the enemy which resulted in the directing and adjusting of our artillery fire against enemy positions in that locality. The gallantry in action, zeal, tenacity of purpose, and leadership in battle displayed by Lieutenant Kjems in this operation reflects credit upon the military service.