The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) John L. Kennedy (ASN: OF-101965), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving conflict with an armed hostile force during the period 12 September to 13 September 1968 while serving as Commanding Officer of Troop E, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 September Troop E was suddenly engaged by an estimated North Vietnamese Army platoon entrenched in a rubber plantation. During the ensuing firefight Captain Kennedy received orders to disengage the hostile force and proceed to the relief of Company A, 1st Infantry Division which was pinned down by an estimated enemy battalion. Completely disregarding his own safety in the face of the unrelenting and intense hostile fire Captain Kennedy positioned himself in the front of the column in order to lead it through 2000 meters of enemy infested terrain. Reaching the site of the fierce engagement Captain Kennedy again exposing himself to the lethal volley of enemy bullets led an assault on the flank of the hostile positions. The aggressiveness and intensity of the assault so disrupted the enemy elements that they were forced to withdraw thus relieving the pressure on the besieged infantry company. Captain Kennedy’s extraordinary leadership and heroic actions while under intensive hostile fire actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.