The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Kenneth J. Irving (ASN: 0-1322748), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 5 January 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. On that date, as a member of a Tactical Air Control Party, Captain Irving accompanied a combat patrol deep into enemy-held territory. Under intense enemy fire, Captain Irving fearlessly called for air strikes less than 100 yards to his front. In order to better view the effect of the air support, he moved forward with utter disregard for his own safety to a vantage point on high ground. There, confronted by two enemy soldiers, he killed both with his individual weapon. The effective air support, directed by Captain Irving, had a direct bearing on the success of this patrol action. The gallantry and great devotion to duty of Captain Irving reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.