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 (Field Artillery), [then First Lieutenant] Kenneth C. Winters (ASN: 0-1174475), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with an Armored Field Artillery Battalion of the 7th Armored Division, in action in France, on 8 September 1944. Captain Winters was directing rapid artillery fire in support of an attack by elements of the 7th Armored Division on the Town of Metz when the enemy countered with effective battery fire that hit one M-7 tank and caused 13 casualties. Communications between his observation post and firing guns were severed by the German barrage. Without the vital wire communication, it was impossible for him to continue directing accurate fire. He realized the tremendous need for artillery fire in support of the attacking infantry, so with utter disregard for his personal safety, he left the comparative shelter of his position, where he could shout commands to his widely dispersed guns. He succeeded in transmitting his commands to the guns by moving about through the bombardment and shouting above the noise of the bursting shells. In so doing, he was wounded by fragments, but, refusing medical attention, he continued to direct the firing of his battery and to supervise the evacuation of his wounded personnel until the battle was over. Captain Winters’ gallantry, supreme devotion to duty and remarkable courage reflect credit upon himself and the Army of the United States.