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 Fifth Grade Kenneth D. Hess (ASN: 36581839), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Chemical Battalion (Motorized), XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 23 January 1945, in Luxembourg. On this date, Technician Fifth Grade Hess, member of a 4.2-inch mortar crew was dug in 1,000 yards north of Lipperscheid, Luxembourg, with the platoon supporting the 2d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment in their attack on the town of Hescheid. Enemy shell fire had been continuous and heavy around the mortar position. An Anti-tank Company located on a hill 200 yards away was being subjected to concentrated enemy shell fire which eventually forced them to evacuate their personnel. Three Anti-Tank men dug in near the mortar position received a direct hit, killing one and seriously wounding the others. Technician Fifth Grade Hess observed this and voluntarily left his fox hole to go to their aid. Technician Fifth Grade Hess assisted in the administration of first aid and morphine due to the absence of the medical aid man. He assisted in evacuating the wounded under very heavy enemy shell fire. The complete disregard for personal safety and high sense of duty displayed by Technician Fifth Grade Hess reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.