The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Kenneth H. Tait (ASN: 14091113), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 3 January 1945, near *****, Belgium. The platoon was advancing behind tanks across open terrain when Sergeant spotted a machine gun position whose fire was such that it had to be put out of action before his unit could accomplish their mission. Making a courageous and instantaneous decision, Sergeant Tait, with no regard for his own safety, assaulted the enemy strong point by himself although he knew he would not only be subjected to frontal fire from the Germans but also from the tanks who believed all friendly infantry to be behind them. Advancing fearlessly over flat, open terrain, Sergeant Tait first fired his anti-tank rifle grenade at the position and then advanced rapidly throwing hand grenades. All four of the enemy were killed and the gun silenced by this single-handed attack. Sergeant Tait’s courageous aggressiveness was a magnificent contribution to the success of the mission and was in keeping with the finest traditions of the Airborne Forces.