Kenneth Ashland

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Kenneth Ashland (39304955), Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action in France on 17 August 1944. The reconnaissance platoon leader was in the leading one quarter ton truck when the enemy opened fire with machine guns and small arms. Technician Fifth Grade Ashland who was gunner in the platoon leaders armored car, rushed the armored car to the front of the column, knocking out and enemy vehicle and laying effective machine gun and 37mm gun fire on the enemy. Enemy anti-tank and artillery fire began to fall on the platoon, but Technician Fifth Grade Ashland held his position and continued firing until the platoon leader and dismounted scouts could fall back. The action of Technician Fifth Grade Ashland is worthy of the highest tradition of the military service.