The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Edward R. Kennedy (ASN: 0-1325577), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France, 30 September 1944. When an enemy force attacked his company command post, Lieutenant Kennedy, Executive Officer, Company K, *** Infantry Regiment, quickly organized the few men of the Headquarters Group into a combat unit, and himself manned a machine gun mounted on a vehicle. Under his dynamic leadership and skillful coordination, sufficient fire power was obtained to force the enemy’s withdrawal, whereupon he moved his vehicle forward to secure a maximum field of fire upon the withdrawing enemy. A rocket-launcher round struck and demolished the vehicle, and wounded Lieutenant Kennedy seriously. Despite his wounds, Lieutenant Kennedy gallantly continued to direct the actions of his men against the withdrawing enemy, reorganizing his group into a defensive line. He refused medical aid until the arrival of reserves to strengthen the defensive line and rout the enemy completely. Lieutenant Kennedy’s gallantry in action is in accord with the traditions of the military service and reflect high credit upon his character as an officer.