Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant [then Corporal]

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 18, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 657 (October 31, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] Arlis L. Kinseth (ASN: ER-39342958), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Chaun-ni, Korea. On this date, Sergeant Kinseth was a member of a rifle unit which was withdrawing to more tenable positions under heavy enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. During the withdrawal the rear column was subjected to accurate enemy machine gun fire, inflicting several friendly casualties. Sergeant Kinseth, without regard for his personal safety, immediately organized and led a frontal attack and successfully destroyed the machine gun and its crew. During this action the onrushing enemy force had encircled a number of his comrades and Sergeant Kinseth again unhesitatingly returned to their approximate positions. Disregarding the intense enemy fire, he located his men and led them in a fighting withdrawal with a minimum of casualties. As a result of his courageous action the enemy suffered heavy casualties. The gallantry and outstanding leadership displayed by Sergeant Kinseth reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.