The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth Vern Jensen (ASN: RA-18926365), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 13 April 1969 while serving as a rifleman with the Aero Rifle Platoon, Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while it was conducting a bomb damage assessment in a heavily fortified enemy base camp, the platoon suddenly came under intense machine gun and antitank rocket fire from a well-concealed and well-entrenched hostile force. Specialist Jensen’s squad which was the lead element was immediately pinned down in an open area directly in front of the enemy positions. Seeing his squad leader hit and critically wounded Specialist Jensen ignoring the intense hostile fire immediately stood up and single handedly charged the entrenched enemy force. With the hostile fire concentrated on him his comrades were able to take up secure positions and evacuate the wounded squad leader. While making his assault he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Specialist Four Jensen’s outstanding courage, unwavering devotion to duty and deep concern for the welfare of his comrades were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.