Kenneth U. Eakens

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Kenneth U. Eakens (0-526512), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 February 1945 in Germany. Although twice wounded, Lieutenant Eakens led his platoon in assaulting a huge, strongly defended enemy castle. Defying intense enemy fire, his small group routed the enemy and captured the objective by the sheer force and audacity of his platoon’s onslaught. After securing the objective Lieutenant Eakens encountered two enemy sentries who, from hidden positions, commanded him to halt. Although unarmed, wounded, and suffering from exhaustion, he flung himself upon the two enemy soldiers, disarmed and captured both. First Lieutenant Eakens’ intrepid action, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 104th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.