The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Everett Kitchens, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 16 April 1945, in Italy. When two assaults by another company had failed to take a strongly defended church, the platoon of which Private First Class Kitchens was a member was given the mission. As the platoon came near the objective they were subjected to intense fire from the concealed and fortified positions in and near the ruins of the building. During the furious grenade battle which followed, the Germans were driven from their positions but the heavy mortar and artillery fire which was brought to bear on the buildings forced everyone to withdraw except Private First Class Kitchens and his two comrades. Taking up firing positions these three men beat off the Germans even though they came close enough to hurl hand grenades into their positions. With their ammunition almost expended they were faced with either death or capture when a platoon of reinforcements fought their way into the church and relieved them. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class Kitchens and his comrades is exemplary and reflects great credit upon themselves and the military service.