The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private William L. Kinder (ASN: RA-15297276), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 31 August 1950 to 4 September 1950 in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. On the night of 31 August 1950 the enemy, attacking in overwhelming numbers, had penetrated our lines and were attempting to make a complete breakthrough in that area. Private Kinder’s unit resisted fiercely and effectively, but was surrounded and threatened with annihilation. It was forced to fight for four continuous days and nights against great odds and under the most adverse conditions. The weather was intensely hot and the group ran out of water on the second day. Private Kinder shared his last portion of water with the wounded. He continuously moved from one threatened part of the small perimeter to another to lend his assistance in repulsing the repeated fanatical assaults of the enemy. His courage and determination set an example for all those present and was instrumental in the defense of the perimeter. He suffered wounds as he courageously moved to engage the enemy in hand-to-hand combat on the fourth day of continuous combat. The gallantry displayed by Private Kinder during this period reflects the highest credit upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.