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 Raymond M. Kirkland (ASN: 34548301), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the **** River Sector, France, on 29 July 1944. When the advance of his company was temporarily halted by heavy and accurate enemy machine gun fire from concealed emplacements, Private Kirkland, a rifleman, advanced alone ahead of his unit and succeeded in destroying an enemy machine gun position. The intrepid bravery, initiative, and utter disregard for personal safety on the part of Private Kirkland facilitated the advance of his unit, and reflect the highest credit upon his character as a soldier. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
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Cemetery:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Private First ClassBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
320th Infantry RegimentDivision:
35th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
July 29, 1944
Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 34 (September 19, 1944) -
Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
320th Infantry RegimentDivision:
35th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
December 8, 1944
Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 42 (February 21, 1945)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 Raymond M. Kirkland (ASN: 34548301), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 December 1944, in the vicinity of Zetting, France. Sergeant Kirkland led a small group of men across the Saar River near Zetting, France. Because of the swiftness of current the landing was made downstream from the objective in an area under friendly mortar fire. Sergeant Kirkland succeeded in signaling friendly troops to lift the mortar fire and led his men forward through a heavily defended enemy trench system until they were halted by intense enemy fire. The intrepid Sergeant then advanced alone and knocked out two enemy machine-gun positions, and the platoon, under his fearless, inspiring leadership, continued its advance and succeeded in taking and holding the objective. Staff Sergeant Kirkland’s conspicuous heroism, inspiring leadership, and loyal devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 35th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.