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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class Darwin Keith Kyle (ASN: 0-2262608), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 411th Infantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 19 January 1945, in the vicinity of , France, Private Kyle, was subjected to intense enemy small arms, mortar, artillery, and 20 millimeter automatic weapon fire. Private Kyle, observing that six of our supporting tanks had been disabled by direct fire of the enemy, quickly grabbed a rocket launcher and crawled toward the enemy emplacement. From an advantageous position he commanded direct observation on the hostile strongpoint. He accurately fired three rounds into the enemy emplacement, knocking out the gun and killing the crew. As a result of this action, tanks were able to enter the town and the company was materially assisted in its subsequent withdrawal. Private Kyle’s exemplary fortitude and gallant actions were in accordance with the highest tradition of military service.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry) [then Master Sergeant]

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 24, 1950
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 17 (March 29, 1951)

    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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) [then Master Sergeant] Darwin Keith Kyle (ASN: 0-2262608), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action in Korea. On 24 December 1950, during the final stages of the evacuation of the beachhead at Hung-nam, Korea, a tremendous explosion of an ammunition dump sprayed the area with shrapnel and white phosphorous. Many of the men boarding landing crafts were wounded and all were stunned by the explosion and the concussion that followed. Lieutenant Kyle, quickly regaining his senses and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, restored order and directed the removal of the wounded. One of the landing crafts had been hit and the rudder mechanism completely destroyed. Fearlessly, Lieutenant Kyle returned to the beachhead inferno to find tools and materials. Constantly endangered by succeeding explosions, he was able to effect emergency repairs and guide the craft away from the flaming beach, shortly before the beach was rocked by an explosion which would have destroyed the craft if it had remained. The courage, initiative, and concern for his comrades displayed by Lieutenant Kyle saved many lives and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 16, 1951
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 17 (February 1, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Darwin Keith Kyle (ASN: 0-2262608), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kamil-ni, Korea, on 16 February 1951. When his platoon had been pinned down by intense fire, Second Lieutenant Kyle completely exposed himself to move among and encourage his men to continue the advance against enemy forces strongly entrenched on Hill 185. Inspired by his courageous leadership, the platoon resumed the advance but was again pinned down when an enemy machinegun opened fire, wounding six of the men. Second Lieutenant Kyle immediately charged the hostile emplacement alone, engaged the crew in hand-to-hand combat, killing all three. Continuing on toward the objective, his platoon suddenly received an intense automatic-weapons fire from a well-concealed hostile position on its right flank. Again leading his men in a daring bayonet charge against this position, firing his carbine and throwing grenades, Second Lieutenant Kyle personally destroyed four of the enemy before he was killed by a burst from an enemy sub machinegun. The extraordinary heroism and outstanding leadership of Second Lieutenant Kyle, and his gallant self-sacrifice, reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.