The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Staff Sergeant] Kenneth E. Burgess (ASN: 0-2055831), United States Army, for gallantry in action on **** 1943, north of ****, Italy. Second Lieutenant Burgess, Company E, 2d Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, displayed superior courage and leadership by continually making the rounds of positions of his men, pointing out terrain features for them to watch, and filling vacancies in the line. He crawled to a ditch that was under enemy observation and fire and neutralized, with hand grenades, an enemy machine pistol. 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.