Lyle K. Kumler

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lyle K. Kumler (16161859), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces during the period 17 to 22 September 1944, on the Dutch-German frontier. On 19 September 1944, Sergeant Kumler destroyed a German machine gun position which had pinned his platoon to the ground and halted the company advance. Later, in the town of Beek he drew fire from an enemy strong point which was holding up the attack, in order to allow an ATRL [antitank rocket launcher] team to maneuver into position to fire into the building. On 20 September 1944, he established a base of fire in support of a second attack by his company, and moved about his position which was under fire flat trajectory artillery in order to better observed his supporting fire. When one flank of his company was pinned by the fire of an enemy machine gun, Sergeant Kumler ordered his second in command to direct the supporting fire while he led two men in an attack upon the enemy gun. Placing the two riflemen to cover him, he attacked the enemy gun and destroyed it. His aggressive leadership was largely responsible for the final success of his company, and contributed a valuable service to the security of the regimental sector. Sergeant Kumler’s intrepid actions, 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.