The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Marshall H. Kinlaw, Jr. (ASN: 34670552), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, on 15 December 1944 in Germany. When his platoon was halted by heavy enemy machine gun fire, Private Kinlaw unhesitatingly advanced and despite the intense fire directed at him, worked his way to a point from which he was able to throw a hand grenade into the enemy positions. This action effectively neutralized the enemy and enabled his platoon to successfully accomplish its mission. The great courage displayed by Private Kinlaw reflects highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.