The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Kinter K. Koontz (ASN: 33574165), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 25 March 1945, in Germany. Staff Sergeant Koontz and a comrade left the safety of their position and went into an artillery-swept area to carry the bodies of their killed comrades from a burning woods and to evacuate the wounded. Although two additional men near them were killed by the enemy fire, they steadfastly continued until they had taken care of all the men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Koontz, 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.