The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Carroll R. Kinley, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 8 March 1944. Cut off from his patrol after an encounter with the Japanese, Sergeant Kinley made is way back alone through two miles of enemy-occupied jungle with information of inestimable value in meeting a large-scale attack on Hill 700 the following day. With exceptional calmness after realizing that all hope of rejoining his patrol was gone, he concealed himself and carefully noted the strength and firepower of nearby enemy forces. Then, under severe mental and physical strain of eluding and observing the enemy for ten hours, he returned safely to his own lines over a hazardous route where he was in constant danger of being discovered. He encountered Japanese columns three times on this daring lone patrol and killed three of the enemy. Areas where he reported enemy activity were heavily shelled by artillery and the tactical efficiency of an entire Japanese battalion was weakened. Sergeant Kinley’s coolness and bravery under conditions demanding courage and self-control played a singularly impressive role in the ultimate defeat of the attacking enemy forces. Staff Sergeant Kinley’s extraordinary heroism, 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 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.