Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class [then Private]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    506th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    May 7, 1970

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (November 5, 1973)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private First Class [then Private] Kenneth Michael Kays, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Medical Aidman with Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces near Fire Support Base Maureen, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 7 May 1970. A heavily armed force of enemy sappers and infantrymen assaulted Company D’s night defensive position, wounding and killing a number of its members. Disregarding the intense enemy fire and ground assault, Private First Class Kays began moving toward the perimeter to assist his fallen comrades. In doing so he became the target of concentrated enemy fire and explosive charges, one of which severed the lower portion of his left leg. After applying a tourniquet to his leg, Private First Class Kays moved to the fire-swept perimeter, administered medical aid to one of the wounded, and helped move him to an area of relative safety. Despite his severe wound and excruciating pain, Private First Class Kays returned to the perimeter in search of other wounded men. He treated another wounded comrade, and, using his own body as a shield against enemy bullets and fragments, moved him to safety. Although weakened from a great loss of blood, Private First Class Kays resumed his heroic lifesaving efforts by moving beyond the company’s perimeter into enemy held territory to treat a wounded American lying there. Only after his fellow wounded soldiers had been treated and evacuated did Private First Class Kays allow his own wounds to be treated. These courageous acts by Private First Class Kays resulted in the saving of numerous lives and inspired others in his company to repel the enemy. Private First Class Kays’ heroism at the risk of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.