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 Kennard O Austin (ASN: 15336316), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 5 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. Corporal Austin killed and wounded an estimated fifteen Germans, knocked out a machine gun with a grenade and took over a BAR and then an LMG after both gunners were hit. He fired the BAR until all ammunition was expended, then took the light machine gun in moth hands and walked forward firing, keeping at least a platoon of enemy pinned down. His continued aggressiveness enabled the left flank of his platoon to move forward and capture the remainder of the enemy and effect the destruction of a German Battalion. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.