Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Staff Sergeant] Robert J. Kemp (ASN: 0-2055195), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Gela, Sicily, on 11 July 1943. When enemy tanks overran our positions, Second Lieutenant Kemp courageously remained in the forward area and inspired his men to hold their ground, despite intense artillery and machine-gun fire. Lieutenant Kemp’s aggressive leadership and exemplary conduct enabled his unit to reorganize and effectively repel the attacking forces. 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Staff Sergeant]

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 65 (November 26, 1943)

    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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Staff Sergeant] Robert J. Kemp (ASN: 0-2055195), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily during the period from July through October 1943. When heavy enemy machine gun fire retarded the advance of his platoon, Lieutenant Kemp, ignoring the intensity of enemy fire, crawled within a few feet of the enemy nest and, by effectively firing his weapon, destroyed the gun. His intrepid action enabled his platoon to resume its advance and to attain its objective. Lieutenant Kemp’s 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.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 14 & 15, 1944

    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 71 (October 20, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert J. Kemp (ASN: 0-2055195), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 14 and 15 August, 1944. As First Lieutenant Kemp was leading his platoon in an assault on a town he came into contact with two enemy tanks firing from well dug-in positions. The tanks were supported by approximately twenty men, with machine guns, lighter automatic weapons and small arms, in a row of houses. For four hours, First Lieutenant Kemp engaged the enemy in a bitter battle, undeterred by their superior fire power and position. His personal bravery served as an inspiration for his men to continue the engagement, and finally he led his men in a charge which resulted in taking the position. While leading the final assault, he was wounded in both legs but, despite his painful wounds, he continued on until the enemy was driven out. The courage and outstanding leadership displayed by First Lieutenant Kemp in the face of numerically superior force reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944

    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 37 (July 14, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert J. Kemp (ASN: 0-2055195), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Normandy, France, on 6 June 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant]

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 32 (July 25, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Robert J. Kemp (ASN: 0-2055195), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from February through July 1943. On numerous assaults upon the enemy, Sergeant Kemp led reconnaissance patrols deep into enemy territory on exceptionally hazardous missions. Although at all times imperiled by an extremely active enemy, Sergeant Kemp succeeded in returning with valuable information concerning enemy strength and dispositions. 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.