Kenneth E. Mayer

First Lieutenant Kenneth E. Mayer, 01341453, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company F, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division distinguished himself by courageous action near Kumsong, Korea, on 14th October 1951. His company had the mission of taking and securing an enemy-held hill. Advancing to within 400 yards of the objective, the friendly troops encountered the enemy’s main line of resistance, consisting of an estimated battalion of well dug-in troops armed with mortars, automatic weapons and small arms and his platoon, the leading element in the attack, was pinned down by continuous advance, Lieutenant Mayer, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved forward through the deadly hail of enemy fire and stationed himself at the foremost point of the platoon. Then, placing his men with experienced judgement, he led them in a daring assault against the enemy troops, who were so caught by surprise that they suffered numerous casualties and were forced to retreat. Lieutenant Mayer’s courageous action, inspiring leadership and selfless devotion to duty resulted directly in the success of his unit’s mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.