The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Kenneth L. Holtz (ASN: 32835240), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 11 January 1945, in Luxembourg. Troop C was given the mission of capturing the town of Machtum, Luxembourg, which was held by an undetermined number of men. Corporal Holtz was a member of the 1st platoon, and moved his men toward the town so closely behind an artillery concentration to gain the element of surprise that they were showered with flying rocks and dirt. A machine gun nest halted his section and the section sergeant asked for a volunteer to try and assault the position. Corporal Holtz volunteered and crawled forward in front of the gun within hand grenade range, slightly behind the section sergeant, covering the section sergeant with fire from his rifle. When the section sergeant’s gun jammed after killing one enemy, Corporal Holtz’s accurate shot killed another enemy and enabled the section sergeant to kill the remaining enemy with a hand grenade. This permitted the whole 1st platoon to enter the town which later was captured after a house to house fight with the enemy. Throughout the attack Corporal Holtz’s excellent control of his men and his own initiative in clearing buildings played an important part in the capture of Machtum. Corporal Holtz’s continued display of intelligent combat tactics and leadership has made him invaluable to his organization and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.