The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Elmer Kitchell (ASN: 32563704), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action on 23 February 1945, in Germany. Although he was painfully wounded, Sergeant Kitchell took command of his platoon and moved about in a heavily mined area to reorganize it. Despite his being again wounded when he had led his men through half of a booby trapped and mine infested woods, he continued advancing until he collapsed from loss of blood. Sergeant Kitchell’s gallant actions enabled his men to reach the line of departure in time for the attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Kitchell, 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.