Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company K, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 25th, 1944

First Lieutenant Edward R. Kennedy, O-1325577, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action near Jallaucourt, France, on 30 September 1944. When an enemy force attacked his company command post, Lieutenant Kennedy, Executive Officer, Company K, 134th Infantry, quickly organized the few men of the Headquarters group into a combat unit, and himself manned a machine gun mounted on a vehicle. Under his dynamic leadership and skilful coordination, sufficient fire power was obtained to force the enemy’s withdrawal, whereupon he moved his vehicle forward to secure a maximum field of fire upon the withdrawing enemy. A rocket-launcher round struck and demolished the vehicle, and wounded Lieutenant Kennedy seriously. Despite his wounds, Lieutenant Kennedy gallantly continued to direct the actions of his men against the withdrawing enemy, reorganizing his group into a defensive line and rout the enemy completely. Lieutenant Kennedy’s gallantry in action is in accord with the traditions of the military service and reflect high credit upon his character as an officer.
Entered military service from Pennsylvania.


Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 47 (25 October 1944).