Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    November 29, 1950

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William M. Kitchens, Jr. (MCSN: 658413), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Assistant Gunner in a Machine Gun Squad of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 29 November 1950. When a numerically superior enemy force penetrated several sectors of the line and gained positions on three sides of his platoon in a sudden, vicious onslaught, Private First Class Kitchens unhesitatingly volunteered to cross an open fire-swept area to obtain ammunition for the machine guns when the supply became low. Braving the heavy small arms, grenade and machine gun fire, he seized the ammunition and brought it back to his squad. Later in the action when the supply became almost depleted, he again crossed the fire-swept area to obtain replenishments and, on the return trip, encountered and annihilated four enemy soldiers. Mortally wounded as he delivered the ammunition, Private First Class Kitchens, by his bold initiative, great personal valor and heroic actions at great risk to his own life, contributed immeasurably to the repulsing of the enemy attack, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.