The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps), [then First Lieutenant] John E. Kinchla (ASN: 0-986643), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving as Chaplain with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery, 3d Infantry Division. On 6 July 1951, near Kumhwa, Korea, Chaplain Kinchla was accompanying a friendly force to administer proximate aid to wounded in case of need, when a vehicle in the unit struck an enemy mine, demolishing it and pinning the driver helplessly beneath the flaming wreckage. Immediately and with no thought for his personal safety, Chaplain Kinchla dashed through the mined area and made repeated attempts to pull the unconscious soldier from the conflagration, despite the rocking explosions of the gas tank and other combustibles. The selfless heroism displayed by Chaplain Kinchla reflects high credit upon himself and the military service.