Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Robert L. Kestlinger, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while attached to the Liaison Detachment, Far East Command. Captain Kestlinger distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 2 June 1952. Captain Kestlinger, in command of a two-man patrol, landed on the eastern bank of a river in enemy-held territory to reconnoiter the area and investigate a reported radar station. During the early hours of the following day, the patrol sighted a Chinese soldier and, while effecting capture, an outcry from the prisoner alerted the foe who immediately opened fire. Securing the captive, Captain Kestlinger exposed himself to hostile fire to cover his patrol member who had rushed forward to silence the nearest position with grenades. Ordering his patrol to withdraw with the prisoner, Captain Kestlinger assaulted the other machine-gun position, killing two of the manning crew with grenades and another with his trench knife. Despite vulnerability to rifle fire from high ground to the rear, he courageously seized a hostile submachine-gun and intercepted and charged a squad of six enemy, killing all of them. Through his unflinching courage and intrepid actions, the lives of a fellow officer and an indigenous boatman were saved. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Captain Kestlinger on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant]

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944

    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 25 (January 27, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Robert S. Kestlinger (ASN: 0-1303156), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 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.