The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Edward E. Kitchen (ASN: RA-27530653), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Platoon Sergeant Kitchen distinguished himself on 13 November 1967 while serving as First Sergeant of Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) on a combat operation in the Republic of Vietnam. At 1600 hours the lead platoon of Company B was taken under intense and accurate enemy sniper fire. Despite this fire, Sergeant Kitchen continually exposed himself in order to be in a position where he could assist the company commander. During the heaviest fighting, with the company under attack from three sides, and at a time when anyone who moved was almost certain to be hit, Sergeant Kitchen fearlessly moved about insuring that the lines were solid, and by his actions and words inspired the men. At one point when the North Vietnamese were rolling up the right flank and were within five meters of the command post, spraying it with automatic weapons fire, Sergeant Kitchen personally led and directed a small group of men who held the flank until a platoon counter-attack was able to restore the right flank. Sergeant Kitchen, on his own initiative and again under extremely heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire, organized the withdrawal of the dead and the wounded to the aid station, carrying many of these himself. Throughout the evening, under heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Kitchen moved from platoon to platoon insuring that ammunition was adequate and passing on instructions from the company commander. Sergeant Kitchen’s personal bravery, professional manner and coolness under fire with complete disregard for his own safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.