Howard R. Kinder

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Howard R. Kinder (38343763), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment, on 18 September 1944, in France. While acting as Platoon Scout, Private First Class Kinder discovered a group of the enemy awaiting the approach of his platoon. After informing his platoon leader of the situation, he proceeded forward for some 125 yards under direct small arms and machine gun fire from two enemy machine gun positions. Though wounded in the face and shoulder, Private First Class Kinder continued forward and placed such effective fire upon the enemy groups with his sub-machine gun that they withdrew. Private First Class Kinder’s courageous action cleared the way for his platoon and hastened their advance. The gallantry displayed by Private First class Kinder, in advancing against direct fire in spite of wounds, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.