The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Kenneth F. Nelson (ASN: 17045079), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 376th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division on 7 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. Technician Fourth Grade Nelson, on duty with an artillery liaison party, accompanied the attacking company of infantry and tank destroyers on the mission of securing the towns of **** and ****, Belgium. Strong opposition was met by our force and the two leading tank destroyers were knocked out. Technician Fourth Grade Nelson, assisted by another member of the artillery liaison party, laid a vital line of communication over a distance of 2,000 meters, half of it through terrain in the process of being neutralized, and which was continuously under heavy fire from enemy artillery, machine guns and small arms. Several times during the attack Technician Fourth Grade Nelson had to fight off enemy snipers with rifle fire, and, although wounded by artillery fire, continued to lay and service his line until the mission was accomplished. This gallant action not only provided communication for the artillery forward to render very close artillery support for the attacking infantry, but also kept the infantry headquarters informed, materially assisting in the accomplishment of the mission. 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.