U.S. MARINE CORPS RESERVE

Elbert Luther Kinser

Rank:

SERGEANT

Conflict/Era:

WORLD WAR II

Unit/Command:

COMPANY I, 3D BATTALION, 1ST MARINES, 1ST MARINE DIVISION

Military Service Branch:

U.S. MARINE CORPS RESERVE

Medal of Honor Action Date:

MAY 4, 1945

Medal of Honor Action Place:

OKINAWA SHIMA, RYUKYU ISLANDS

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while acting as leader of a rifle platoon, serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, 4 May 1945. Taken under sudden, close attack by hostile troops entrenched on the reverse slope while moving up a strategic ridge along which his platoon was holding newly won positions, Sgt. Kinser engaged the enemy in a fierce hand-grenade battle. Quick to act when a Japanese grenade landed in the immediate vicinity, Sgt. Kinser unhesitatingly threw himself on the deadly missile, absorbing the full charge of the shattering explosion in his own body and thereby protecting his men from serious injury and possible death. Stouthearted and indomitable, he had yielded his own chance of survival that his comrades might live to carry on the relentless battle against the fanatic enemy. His courage, cool decision, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Additional Information:

Awarded Posthumously:

YES

Born:

OCTOBER 21, 1922, GREENEVILLE, GREENE COUNTY, TENNESSEE

Died:

MAY 4, 1945, OKINAWA, RYUKYU ISLANDS