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 Hollis W. Kemp (ASN: 34525657), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Hurtgen, Germany, from 10 November to 13 November 1944. During this period Staff Sergeant Kemp greatly assisted his company, which was completely surrounded by a fiercely counterattacking enemy, and subjected to mortar and artillery fire of unusual volume. During the height of the battle, he led his squad forward to fill a gap in the line. Completely disregarding small arms and artillery fire, he boldly exposed himself while he placed his men in position and skillfully directed their fire. He played a major role in stemming an ensuing violent attack. On the second day of the siege, Staff Sergeant Kemp saw his platoon leader fall, wounded by flying shell fragments. He immediately crawled forward, through unremitting fire, to reach the man and drag him to a covered position. After applying a tourniquet to stop the bleeding, he again exposed himself to secure a medical aidman. Subsequently detecting an enemy tank approaching, he immediately took necessary action to destroy it by artillery fire. On 13 November, help finally arrived and opened a narrow gap through which the beleaguered company could withdraw. Although completely exhausted from lack of food, Staff Sergeant Kemp carried a wounded comrade to the medical aid station. After receiving rations, he returned to his company in its new defensive position. Staff Sergeant Kemp’s courage, initiative, and fearless devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.