The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Vincent M. McKinney (ASN: 12006592), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Colleville sur Mer, Normandy, France, 6 June 1944. Voluntarily traversing large areas of beach under intense artillery and small arms fire, Sergeant McKinney, unmindful of personal safety, effected reorganization of his section. Sergeant McKinney’s courageous and aggressive leadership enabled his unit to face the enemy at full fighting strength and greatly bolstered the invasion effort in his sector. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Vincent M. McKinney (ASN: 12006592), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 18 November 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.