The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade [then Technician Fifth Grade] Thomas G. Kenley (ASN: 18200591), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the Medical Detachment, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 21 and 22 November 1944, in France. The first scout of an infantry platoon was seriously wounded when the enemy suddenly opened fire from a distance of 200 yards with three machine guns, a 20-mm. cannon and several rifles. Although he became the target for the enemy fire and bullets struck within inches of him, Technician Fifth Grade Kenley, an Aid Man, ran 30 yards across open terrain to the wounded soldier, carried him to a place of safety and administered first aid. He then ran through the enemy fire and secured a littler jeep to evacuate his patient. During that night and the following day he exposed himself on numerous occasions to remove wounded men under direct enemy fire, and on one occasion he advanced to within 50 yards of an enemy machine gun to evacuate a casualty. By his gallant actions he saved the lives of many of his comrades and inspired the respect and confidence of the men in his platoon. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.