Lieutenant Junior Grade (then Ensign) Kenneth P. Nagel distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight on an operation against an armed enemy. On 11 December 1944 while serving as the navigator of a Navy search bomber. Attacked by an enemy fighter he contributed in sending it flaming toward the sea, and when his plane later attacked two enemy planes, he again aided in the destruction of one as the other made good its escape, the other was sent in a blazing crash into the water. Then as his plane was returning to base, an enemy ship was sighted, though flying through a curtain of anti-aircraft fire in masthead attacks, Lieutenant Junior Grade Nagel, more than once did his job with such calm courage and professional skill that he materially contributed to the destruction of this enemy vessel. His deep devotion to duty, his intrepid and efficient conduct in aerial combat were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Naval Service.