Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Paul
John
Kern
1945-06-16

–

Born:

, 

New Jersey

Home:

West Orange

, 

New Jersey

Paul Kern graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1967. He retired in 2005 as a U.S. Army 4-Star General.

Awards Received

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    General

    Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Paul John Kern, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of General Kern reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of General Kern reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    2001 – 2004

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Paul John Kern, United States Army, was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, culminating as Commanding General, Army Materiel Command, from 2001 to 2004.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Armor)

    Batallion:

    3d Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    May 5, 1970
    Headquarters, II Field Force, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2842 (July 5, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Paul John Kern, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 5 May 1970 while serving as Troop Commander with Troop I, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date the lead platoon of Troop I spotted several enemy soldiers near their night defensive position. Captain Kern maneuvered two of his platoons into an assault formation and made a sweep of the area. While pursuing the enemy force the right flank came under an intense automatic weapons, small arms and rocket-propelled grenade attack from a well-fortified enemy position. Captain Kern used his vehicle to lead the assault on the enemy while he provided suppressive fire with his machine gun and personal weapon. When small arms fire disabled his communications Captain Kern exposed himself to the deadly hail of fire to give hand and arm signals and repair his communications. Captain Kern then stood atop his assault vehicle to direct the fire of the reinforcing troops. Due to is professional tactical knowledge the enemy force was totally routed with numerous casualties. Captain Kern’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

  • Defense Superior Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    General

    Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to General Paul John Kern, United States Army, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of General Kern reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Paul John Kern, United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Paul John Kern, United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.