The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Kenneth L. Harris (ASN: 16111280), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action lasting through the daylight hours on 10 July 1943, approximately five miles west of ****, Sicily. Private Harris held and helped drive back a superior force of the enemy while under heavy machine gun and artillery fire of German Infantry and in the face of counter attacks led by German Mark VI tanks. Private Harris armed with only a bazooka crawled forward to within sixty yards of an advancing Mark IV tank and after firing one short round placed his second, third and fourth rounds on the body and turret of the tank. His ammunition being expended, Private Harris crawled to cover as the tanks came directly at him and passed by. Private Harris coolly and courageously displayed exceptional gallantry in action throughout the day’s fighting and by his courageous action helped achieve success in the face of superior odds. 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.